“A little over a week has passed since the start of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire aimed at ending two years of war. U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire remained in place and ‘we want to make sure it’s going to be very peaceful.’” - RNS
After hostages and prisoners freed, complex issues remain
“Four deceased hostages were returned to Israel on Monday, and another 24 are supposed to be turned over as part of the first phase of the ceasefire, which also requires Israel to allow a surge of food and other humanitarian aid into Gaza.” - Baptist Press
Podcast – Interview 90: The Church’s View of Israel: A Historical-Theological Overview (Layton Talbert)
“Given the timeliness of the topic and Layton’s careful discussion, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight these articles for our listener’s consideration.” - P&D
The Idea of a Palestinian State is the Greatest Obstacle to Peace
“This war, part of the broader Israel-Palestine conflict, seems unwinnable. Hamas will not surrender, but Israel cannot accept an end to the war that leaves them in power, licking their wounds and planning their next attack, so the war continues.” - Providence
Pew Research: How Americans view Israel and the Israel-Hamas war in early 2025
“the public’s views of Israel have turned more negative over the past three years. More than half of U.S. adults (53%) now express an unfavorable opinion of Israel, up from 42% in March 2022” - Pew
The Gazans are protesting Hamas. It's about time.
“Have no illusions. It is not as if these Gaza demonstrators are friends of Israel. It is not even the case that ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend.’ But they are fed up with Hamas.” - RNS