War Updates

Israel’s ready to make a big concession.

On Sunday, Israel offered safe passage out of Gaza for Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s “chief terrorist” and the alleged architect of the October 7th attack. U.S. officials believe Sinwar is at large in Gazan tunnels, possibly surrounded by hostages as human shields. The proposal also includes releasing Palestinian prisoners.

In exchange, Israel wants all 101 remaining hostages and Gaza “demilitarized and deradicalized.” Hamas hasn’t publicly responded, though negotiators question whether Sinwar wants to leave Gaza. 

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the U.S. pledged more than $700 million in humanitarian aid during Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to Kyiv on Wednesday. President Zelenskyy also pleaded with the U.S. for missiles they can use to target deeper into Russia—ammunition Ukraine says it “can’t prevail without.” 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As we mourn violence and pray for peace around the world, believers are reminded of how good the news is of Jesus’s coming kingdom. His Spirit offers supernatural peace today, and his return promises peace in a renewed earth forever.

“‘For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” 
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB) (read full passage)