✝️ Is Peace Possible in Gaza?

Bible Trivia

The shortest verse in the English Bible is John 11:35, "Jesus wept," but the shortest in the original Greek is 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - "Rejoice always."

Update on Israel vs Hamas

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas escalates, impacting thousands of civilians. Here’s the latest.

1. Palestinians in Gaza heeded Israeli warnings to head south, only to be killed by airstrikes outside the evacuation zone.

2. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 17 United Nations staff members' deaths in Gaza since October 7.

3. Gaza's ongoing water crisis has worsened with the shutdown of the last functioning desalination plant, according to UNRWA.

4. 84,000 pregnant women in Gaza are at risk with aid currently stalled at the Rafah crossing, warns the World Health Organization.

5. Japan has pledged $10 million in emergency assistance for civilians in Gaza.

6. The UN Security Council rejected a Russian resolution for a Gaza ceasefire as it didn't condemn Hamas.

Divine Logic

As we grapple with the ongoing conflict, It is challenging to reconcile with the scale of human suffering. The path to peace is narrow, beset by the thorns of politics, generations of resentment, and the primal urgency of survival. Yet there is hope.

Even in the face of violent adversity, Paul’s call to “overcome evil with good” is relevant.

This divine logic breaks the cycle of violence with a call for radical peacemaking. Even if the enemy is hungry, feed him. We are to echo the love of Christ, a love so profound it eclipses the boundaries of nationality, faith, and ethnicity. Isn’t this the way of the cross?

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Pray for Palestinians and Israelis alike, for those fighting to live, and for those manipulated by hatred. Pray for peace against all odds. Pray for hearts to soften and for reconciliation to break through the hostility.

In case you missed it

This isn’t the first time I wrote about the war.