Gaza (MNN) — Many celebrated the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal on Wednesday, but by Thursday morning doubts emerged. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a cabinet vote to approve it, blaming Hamas for attempting last-minute changes. Internal dissent within the Israeli government also played a role.
If you were confused, you weren’t the only one.
As the world watches to see if the ceasefire holds, Tom Doyle with Uncharted Ministries reflects on the ongoing 15-month war, saying, “We just need the Lord to intervene. People look at it from a lot of different angles. We love both. We love the Palestinians. We love the Israelis. They’re both suffering through this. It’s been horrible, but we want to see peace.”
Unfortunately, the potential for future war between Israel and Hamas is far from over. Israeli security officials say 4,000 fighters have been recruited to Hamas since early December. That’s not always by choice, says Doyle.
(Photo courtesy of Uncharted Ministries)
“We know that happens in Gaza, that Hamas will force people, ‘If you don’t do this, will kill your family,’ and all of a sudden that young, 18-year-old is in Hamas, sadly.”
Yet Doyle says the past 15 months have led many to turn to Christ from Islam.
“You can imagine how dangerous their life is now, not only with this war going on but also with if that’s made known that they follow Jesus now,” Doyle says.
Pray more Palestinians and Israelis will find true peace with God and with each other. Also know that there’s still hope in Gaza among Palestinian.
“They’re praying that the Lord intervenes, that it’s over soon. They want to rebuild their lives. That’s what they’re hoping for. They’re very resilient people,” Doyle says, though adding they’ve never been through something as horrific as this war.
“We’re praying that hostages are released, Hamas is defeated. I guarantee you that is one thing they would be cheering — if Hamas left Gaza, the Palestinians would be cheering and thanking God for that. They’ve suffered so much under them for so many years.”
Header photo of a child in Gaza from 2022 courtesy of Mohammed Ibrahim/Unsplash.
