Inside Israel News
Week of January 22, 2025
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The Ceasefire and Hostage Return Agreement
Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire and hostage deal. Its implementation began earlier this week. After months of negotiations by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and Hamas, all parties have finally agreed to their compromises. The first phase will last forty-two days, in which thirty-three hostages will be returned. Hostages will be returned in this order: civilian women and children, female soldiers, men over fifty, and younger men who are injured or in bad health. Hamas has not confirmed how many are alive and how many are dead. In exchange, Israel will release about 2,000 Palestinian terrorists, about 250 of whom were jailed for life. Negotiations for the return of the remaining hostages will start on day sixteen of the first phase.
The Israel Defense Forces will begin withdrawing from the Netzarim Corridor and reducing its presence in the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel wanted to continue to supervise this strategic corridor, but this request was denied in negotiations. A week after this agreement goes into effect, Israel will open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian aid trucks to freely enter, under the supervision of Egypt. Israel fought to retain a permanent representation at Rafah but had to concede this request. In addition, all wounded and sick Palestinians will be allowed to leave through Rafah. Hamas can transfer fifty wounded terrorists to Egypt a day, but both Israel and Egypt must approve each person. Finally, Gazans will be permitted to return to northern Gaza on foot after being inspected. After the first week, people can return by car.
Please pray for the smooth implementation of this agreement, especially the return of Israel’s hostages held by Hamas.
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Three Israeli Women Finally Come Home from Captivity
After 471 days of being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were freed under the terms of the ceasefire/hostage release agreement. It was a joyous day for them, their families, the nation of Israel, and the world. As the vehicles carrying them inched forward, surrounded by a mob of Hamas terrorists and men in Gaza, they were handed over to the Red Cross. They were driven to Israel’s special forces in Gaza and finally crossed into Israeli territory. There, they met their moms, who were eagerly waiting for them. The scenes of jubilation, hugs, and tears were incredible. From there, they flew by helicopter to Tel HaShomer Hospital to meet more family and receive medical care.
Meanwhile, scenes from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv showed a nation heavy with worry for its hostages—crowds cheered, stood in silence, and cried as the whole transfer took place. Israel released ninety Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the three women. Hamas is set to release more hostages next week.
Please pray for these three women’s recovery of body, mind, and soul.
Body of Staff Sergeant Shaul Brought Back to Israel—Eleven Years Later
In 2014, Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul was killed and captured by Hamas during Operation Protective Edge. He was part of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion. In the Shejaiya neighborhood, his M-113 armored personnel carrier got stuck. While Israeli soldiers attempted to move it, Hamas terrorists launched anti-tank missiles, killing seven soldiers, including Shaul. Oron Shaul’s family has been working tirelessly to bring back his remains for proper burial in Israel. Thanks to increased intelligence about the whereabouts of Shaul’s remains, Israeli forces were able to retrieve him from Gaza. This clandestine operation was carried out jointly between the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency. The navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit and another elite force accomplished this mission over the weekend, just as the ceasefire was coming into place.
Please pray for Staff Sergeant Shaul’s family as they finally have some closure and a burial place for their loved one.
Israeli Train Guard Wants to Read the New Testament
We want to share with you this message from an Israeli staff member:
Yesterday, I took the train, and I always say hello to the security guard. This time we chatted a bit, and I told him I am studying at a Bible college, which teaches the Tanakh [Old Testament] and the New Testament. He seemed pleasantly shocked when he heard me say “New Testament” (sometimes people are very upset to hear this). He said, “Oh wow, I’ve been really interested in the New Testament lately. I thought I’d order one and start reading.” I offered to bring him one the next time I came to the train station. He agreed!
Please pray for this man to take the New Testament, read it, and consider the words of Jesus! Pray for our staff member’s continued conversations with him.
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