[Today’s Prayer] The United States, Egypt, Qatar discuss ceasefire negotiations... “Optimistic about the possibility of a settlement” [Iraq-Palestinian War]

Negotiations for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip have resumed.

According to the Times of Israel (TOI) on the 10th (local time), the negotiating teams of the United States, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar resumed ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar.

Brett McGurk, the White House's top adviser on the Middle East, also visited Israel that day and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu told McGurk that he would "commit to hostage and cease-fire negotiations as long as the red lines are maintained."

Israeli, Egyptian, and U.S. officials held hostage negotiations in Cairo the day before. A US official told TOI that there had been significant progress in the negotiations.

The meeting is said to have focused on issues related to the implementation of the first phase of negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, he carefully assessed the issue, saying there was still a long way to go before reaching an agreement.

A high-ranking Israeli source told Channel 12 the night before, “It is premature to report progress in negotiations,” and cautioned, “Difficult and complex negotiations are expected.” Still, he said, “we will make a huge effort to achieve a breakthrough” and that “there is a real opportunity to reach an agreement.”

He also said that the goal is to reach the best possible agreement within a few weeks. An anonymous source also said that the key issue in the negotiations is the issue of ending the war.

Negotiations resumed on the 6th when Hamas announced that it was ready to discuss ceasefire negotiations without prior commitment to a 'complete and permanent ceasefire'.

So far, Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of troops before entering the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel has stated its goal to continue military operations in the Gaza Strip until Hamas's rule and military capabilities are eliminated.

“There is still a gap between the two sides,” he said. “We believe that gap can be bridged, and Advisor McGurk and Director Burns are working on it.”

Source: News

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:39)

God, This long conflict and war, between Israel and Hamas, has left many souls exhausted and suffering.

Please also remember the souls in Gaza, who are suffering daily because of this!

Even though the situation in front of us may seem difficult and overwhelming, as we pray with eyes of faith, we trust that the Lord's will will prevail among the people of Israel and Palestine.

Grant that both nations may no longer be people who focus on the vanities of the world and serve false truths, but only serve the one God, who is alive and makes history.

And through the love which Jesus bore all our sins and shed his blood on the cross, may the two nations forgive and love one another. Just as we love our neighbors like we love ourselves, allow us the grace to fulfill God's will together as neighbors who loves one another!