Mourning in Israel

Israelis are divided over how to end the war with Hamas.

The recovery of six recently slain hostages reignited protests in Israel, with crowds Sunday swelling to their largest since the war began. Demonstrators want Israel to make more concessions to get the remaining 95 hostages home—a stance President Biden agrees with. 

Not everyone thinks compromise is the solution. Worker strikes on Monday saw muted participation, and Israeli PM Netanyahu is firmly refusing to concede to Hamas. Monday night, Netanyahu said that making concessions—like relinquishing control of Gaza’s Egyptian border, a sticking point in negotiations—would encourage Hamas to “kill more hostages.”

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the U.S. teamed up with Iraqi forces Saturday in a raid against ISIS operatives that killed at least 15 militants (including “key ISIS leaders”) and wounded seven American service members.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
War is a heavy burden that highlights our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that the Middle East would experience that restoration and glorify the Messiah Jesus. 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)