[Today’s Prayer] Gaza ceasefire agreement imminent… "Hamas likely to release 33 hosts first"

As ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas are nearing an agreement, specific measures are being discussed to first release some of the Israeli hosts held by Hamas.
According to foreign news agencies such as AP and CNN on the 13th (local time), Israel and Hamas are discussing a 'step-by-step ceasefire plan' containing these contents during ceasefire negotiations currently underway in Doha, Qatar.
The outline of the gradual ceasefire plan is that Hamas would release the hostages in exchange for a few weeks of fighting, and then discuss the withdrawal of Israeli troops with the goal of ending the war completely.
CNN cited multiple Israeli officials as saying that Hamas is expected to release 33 hosts in exchange for a 42-day ceasefire in the first phase.
The first stage of the ceasefire will be established with the release of 33 hosts, and a second stage of negotiations for the end of the war will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, and discussions are underway. Most of the released hosts are expected to be survivors, but there is also a possibility that some of the remains of the dead will be included.
On the 14th, 'close-range negotiations' are scheduled to take place through Qatar's mediation to coordinate the details of the ceasefire.
However, Hamas' attitude is relatively reserved.
An anonymous Hamas official said many issues still needed to be resolved, including details such as Israel's willingness to end the war and which Palestinian detainees would be returned in exchange for an Israeli troop withdrawal and the release of hostages.
When it comes to the specific terms of actual negotiations, there are many issues on which it will be difficult for Israel and Hamas to find common ground.
The current deal calls for Israeli troops to remain in the "Philadelphia Corridor" along the border between Gaza and Egypt during the first phase of the ceasefire.
The issue of stationing troops in the Philadelphia corridor was the point of contention that caused negotiations to collapse at the last minute in September last year.
There is also disagreement between the two sides over the width of the buffer zone that will be created along the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Hamas prefers a pre-war size of 300-500 meters, while Israel demands 2 kilometers.
Israel also insists that "security measures" be put in place for northern Gaza residents when they return to their homes, and that Palestinian prisoners accused of killing Israelis be returned to Gaza or a third country rather than the West Bank.
The Gaza War began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping 251, and has been going on for over 15 months. Hamas officials estimate that more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war.
Israeli authorities currently believe 94 hostages are still being held in Gaza, of whom 34 are believed to be dead.
Source: News
The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. (Genesis 16:11)
As Israel and Hamas move closer to reaching a cease-fire deal for the war in Gaza, we hear good news that specific proposals are being discussed to release some Israeli hostages first.
As talks move toward a cessation of hostilities for a few weeks and a subsequent withdrawal of Israeli forces in exchange for Hamas releasing its hostages, we pray that you will allow peace to the Israeli families who have been taken hostage, and the grace of life to the Palestinian souls whose lives have been torn apart by the war.
God who hears suffering, would you bind up all wounds in Israel and Palestine, and guide both peoples to healing in body and soul with true comfort and love.
We believe that You have heard the prayers of the global church, the Church of Israel, and the Church of Palestine united in prayer over the long-standing conflict that began with Isaac and Ishmael.
Now open the channels through which the gospel will be preached, and send those from the global church, who serve with the heart of Jesus Christ, to see the fountains of life spring up in the devastated regions of Palestine.
May the poor hearts of Israel be enriched by the Gospel and granted the grace to receive Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Savior of peace.
So that Israel and Palestine may be one brother and sister in Jesus Christ, and that they may be blessed peoples who inherit the kingdom of God and share it among the nations!
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