Hope for end of conflict

‘Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!’ (Psalm 14:7)

For more than two years, we at Christians for Israel, have been praying alongside our Jewish friends – for the release of the hostages and an end to the war in Gaza. In the face of rising antisemitism sweeping through the streets of many nations, we have once again asked God to show mercy to His people.

That is why we are grateful for the recent developments: it appears that an agreement between Israel and Hamas is finally being reached, allowing the remaining 48 hostages – both living and deceased – to return home. This fills us with deep joy. We rejoice with the families who can finally hold their loved ones in their arms. We mourn with those who can now lay theirs to rest. And we will continue to pray for the physical and emotional healing of all those affected.

What has happened since October 7, 2023, has left deep scars. The suffering caused by Hamas, the war that followed, and the pain of recent years have inflicted profound wounds.

As the Jewish people celebrate Sukkot – the Feast of Tabernacles – Israel remembers its journey through the wilderness, from Egypt to the Promised Land. Every sukkah, a temporary shelter, has an open roof facing the sky – a sign of hope. In the stories of the hostages who have already been released, one theme keeps returning: they searched for that opening; they held on to hope. That hope points the way forward.

At this moment, it remains uncertain whether the terrorist organization Hamas will honor the agreements – or what the next steps will be. What does this mean for the safety of Israel and for all who love Zion? We do not yet know.

But we continue to pray – for comfort in sorrow, for repentance where there is hatred, and for healing where trauma runs deep. The release of the hostages and the end of violence bring new hope. We pray that the peace of Jerusalem will soon become a reality.