Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Washington, DC for strategic meetings with US president Donald Trump regarding the second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. President Trump wants the war in Gaza to end without Hamas as the military, political, and civil leader, but the question to be discussed is how. Hamas wants to continue its control over Gaza and end all Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip. Israel is willing to end the war in Gaza as long as Hamas ceases to exist as an armed political force within Gaza. Trump has expressed his desire to see the war in Gaza end soon but does not want Hamas to resume control.
During his visit, Netanyahu wants to convince Trump that they cannot have both yet. Netanyahu believes further Israeli military operation in Gaza is necessary to keep Hamas from rebuilding its terror infrastructure. His bottom line is for the disarmament of Hamas, the exile of its leaders, the demilitarization of Gaza, and a transitional government to serve the needs of the people. Hamas must feel it has no other choice. Over the last year, Israel struck Hamas militarily and yet fed the people in Gaza through mandated humanitarian aid. Israel says it can no longer do both. Netanyahu hopes the new US administration will support Israel in stopping Hamas and terrorism at her borders.
Despite the failures, during the last few months, Halevi saw a number of major successes against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Assad regime in Syria. The IDF also defeated two dozen Hamas battalions and is enforcing the current hostage exchange deal. Halevi promised to spend the final six weeks managing the current ceasefire and possible transition to permanent ceasefire.
Please pray for strategic wisdom for President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu as they discuss the end of the war in Gaza and the safe return of Israel’s remaining hostages.
On Thursday, after 482 days in Hamas captivity, Hamas released observer solider Agam Berger (20), whom they dressed in fake military clothes and handed a “release certificate.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soon met her and drove her to the border where she was reunited with her mother and father in emotional scenes. Later, she was flown to the same hospital where her four young friends, fellow observer soldiers whom Hamas released a few days prior, were waiting for her.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) handed over Arbel Yehoud (29) and Gadi Mozes (80) to Hamas. They were held alone for 482 days and only saw each before their release. In horrific scenes in Khan Younis, Arbel and Gadi, along with five Thai field laborers who were also taken captive, were paraded through an angry mob of Palestinians. The destroyed home of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was the backdrop of the chaotic mob and hostage release. Arbel and Gadi, looking visibly shaken, were surrounded by masked Hamas and PIJ gunmen before they were given to the Red Cross, who drove them to a meeting point with the IDF. Upon return to Israel, the Israelis met their families and will remain in the hospital for treatment. Thai officials prepared to meet with the returned Thai nationals, who will also receive medical care in Israel.
Please pray for the recovery, health, and transition of these hostages and their families, as they try to overcome the hardships of the last fifteen months to build a new life and heal from their wounds.
Two days later, the emotional rollercoaster began again with the release of Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel, and Yarden Bibas. Each have their own emotional story and have endured tremendous hardship in Gaza. Ofer and two of his children were taken captive together from Kibbutz Nir Oz. The children were released in November 2023, having to say goodbye to their father in Gaza. It was an emotional and joyous reunion with Ofer’s four children.
Keith Siegel was taken captive from his home in Kfar Aza with his wife Aviva. She was released in November 2023, having to leave her husband behind. Looking very gaunt, he was joyfully reunited with his three adult daughters as well as his son, thought to have been murdered fighting terrorists on October 7.
Finally, Yarden Bibas was released and greeted by his sister and father upon his return to Israel. Hamas took him hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz while his wife, Shiri, and two small boys, Ariel and Kfir, were taken separately. He has returned to an unbearable reality, not knowing the fate of his wife and children. The Bibas family asked of Israel, “Yarden has returned home, but the home remains incomplete. At this time, we ask: Protect Yarden, Protect his soul. Please respect his privacy and give him the space he needs so that his body and soul can begin to recover.”
Please pray also for these released hostages, for their full and speedy recovery back to complete health and successful transition back to life in Israel. Pray for the Bibas family as they deal with the unimaginable pain of not knowing the fate of their precious loved ones.
This past week, our team joined with wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord from Korea and China to celebrate the Chinese New Year festival. The goal was to invite Israeli travelers who had spent time in Korea and Hong Kong to come and celebrate. They came! Our staff was thrilled to welcome over a dozen Israelis who had met or were familiar with our friends from Korea and Hong Kong. Currently, Israelis are flocking to Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan because these are safe countries for Jewish people and Israelis to visit. There are many Christians in these places who are vocal in their love for Israel, and antisemitism is barely felt in the cities. As a result, many Israelis love the culture and when they return to Israel, they want more of the language, food, culture, and friends they met or heard of. That is why our staff was so thrilled to decorate our facility in lanterns and red, order special food, and reconnect with friends from afar. A dear sister gave her testimony of how she came to faith in China. Many of our staff had multiple conversations with not-yet-believers who came to celebrate, and we hope to see them again!
Please pray the messages they heard speak to their minds and hearts about Jesus, the Jewish Messiah!
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Inside Israel February 11th 2025