[Today's Prayer] 'Two Hellish Years, a Miraculous Return'... Israeli Hostages Released

Israeli hostages who were kidnapped by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and held captive for over two years are finally beginning to be released.

Israeli public broadcaster Khan reported on the 13th (local time) that Hamas had handed over seven of the 20 surviving hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City, northern Gaza. This release follows the implementation of the first phase of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched surprise attacks across southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Currently, Hamas is holding a total of 48 hostages, and seven of the 20 surviving hostages have been released in the first phase.

The remaining 13 surviving hostages are expected to be released elsewhere in the Gaza Strip later today. Israel plans to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners once it confirms the release of all hostages.

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According to the BBC, Gali and Ziv Berman are twin brothers who were kidnapped from their kibbutz home during a surprise attack by Hamas and held in separate custody for a long time.

Angrest, an Israeli tank soldier, was captured during a Hamas raid near the Nahal Oz base near Israel's southern border. He appeared in a video released by Hamas in March, appealing to the Israeli government and US President Donald Trump for his release.

Ohel, a pianist, was kidnapped at the Nova Music Festival. His parents launched a campaign to install pianos throughout Israel to call for his safe return and the return of the other hostages. His mother remained hopeful, saying, "He was taken alive, so he will return alive."

Miran, a massage therapist, was kidnapped in front of his wife and two daughters. He is the oldest surviving hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Mor was captured while working as a security guard at the Nova music festival and evacuating other participants. Previously released hostages testified to his courageous actions, including protesting against Hamas on behalf of the other hostages.

Gilboa-Dalal was also abducted from the music festival. After his capture, several videos released by Hamas showed him looking emaciated, raising concerns.

All 20 hostages being released this time are male. With the exception of Miran, who is in his 40s, they are all in their 20s and 30s.

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Source: Yonhap News

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:2-5)

Father God, we hear the good news that the Israeli hostages who were kidnapped by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip and endured two years of horrific captivity are finally beginning to be released.

Thank you for answering the prayers of the global church for the release of the Israeli hostages. May you allow the remaining 13 hostages who are still awaiting release to be quickly released and return to their families.

Please remember the families who anxiously waited for their loved ones held hostage for so long, and the souls of Israel who were also taken hostage.

Would you give the grace to the Israeli souls who have suffered greatly to encounter Jesus Christ, who forgives all our sins, heals all our illnesses, and redeems life from destruction.

Therefore, may the trauma and wounds suffered by the Israeli souls during the war be cleansed, and may they live a new life in Jesus, forgiving their enemies, Palestine, praying for and serving Palestine, and becoming those who embody the mercy and compassion of God.