Behind all the talk about “phase two” in Gaza is a stubborn reality: Hamas is not a local problem. It is part of a larger radical Islamist network, funded and armed by Iran.
In a recent video, posted on Twitter, Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it bluntly:
“Radical Islam has shown that their desire is not simply to occupy one part of the world and be happy with their own little caliphate, they want to expand. It’s revolutionary in its nature. It seeks to expand and control more territories and more people … That’s a clear and imminent threat to the world and to the broader West, but especially the United States who they identify as the chief source of evil on the planet.” — @SecRubio
In that light, Gaza is not just about local governance. It is a frontline in a much larger struggle against an ideology that:
Rejects Israel’s right to exist
Targets Jews and Christians
Seeks to destabilize Western societies
Any plan for Gaza that ignores Iran’s role and the theological drive of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah is building on sand.
What “Phase Two” Faces in the Real World
President Trump’s comments about “phase two” of his Gaza plan — “moving along,” “going to happen pretty soon” — sound hopeful. But hope alone doesn’t change the facts.
Israel and Hamas have only formally agreed to phase one, which covered:
A temporary ceasefire
An IDF pullback inside Gaza
A hostage–prisoner exchange
Humanitarian aid entering Gaza
Those steps were implemented, though not without bloodshed and violations.
Phase two, which deals with Gaza’s future after the war, is the hard part — and it remains completely unresolved.
On paper, diplomats talk about:
An “International Stabilization Force”
New civil governance structures
Billions in reconstruction funds
In reality:
Hamas has not agreed to disarm.
Iran continues to fund and arm its proxy network.
Hezbollah is rebuilding infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Jihadist recruitment continues online and on the ground, including among teenagers.
You cannot pour concrete for new schools on top of a live minefield. And you cannot create a peaceful Gaza while leaving the core terror infrastructure and ideology in place.
The Illusion of a “Local Problem”
One of the big deceptions in this moment is the idea that Gaza is mainly a local policy puzzle that can be solved with the right mix of:
UN resolutions
International conferences
Reconstruction projects
But as Rubio’s words highlight, radical Islam is global in scope and ambition. Groups like Hamas see themselves as part of a long-term, revolutionary project — not caretakers of a small strip of land on the Mediterranean.
That means:
Israel is not the only target; it is the first target.
Jews are not the only people in danger; Christians are too.
If the world relaxes because “the fighting has paused,” the threat does not disappear — it regroupes and reloads.
When “phase two” is discussed as if it were mostly about logistics and zoning, the conversation misses the spiritual and ideological battle underneath.
Iran, Rafah, and Recruitment
While Washington talks about next steps, the region is sounding its own alarm bells.
Egypt and the Rafah Crossing
Egypt has warned that if Israel unilaterally opens the Rafah crossing, it would violate the fragile Gaza truce. Cairo insists any movement there must be coordinated, out of concern for regional stability and the risk of mass flight into Sinai.
Iranian Agents Targeting Israelis
At the same time, Israeli officials have reported that Iranian agents are actively trying to recruit Israelis — including teens — as spies and collaborators. Arrests over the past two years have exposed Iranian-linked schemes using:
Fake social media personas
Romance scams
Bogus business offers
Even during ceasefires, Iran is working to weaken Israel from within.
In other words, there is no true “off-season” in this conflict.
What This Means for Those Who Love Israel
For Christian Women for Israel, modern-day Esthers who love Israel, the Holy Land, and Judeo-Christian values, all of this confirms what you already know in your spirit:
Israel’s security is not negotiable.
Hamas and Hezbollah are not misunderstood neighbors; they are committed enemies.
Iran is not a distant problem; it is driving much of the instability in the region.
You don’t need to be persuaded of that. But you can help others see it.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
— Psalm 122:6
Real peace will require:
Clear-eyed recognition of Iran’s role behind Hamas and Hezbollah
Real red lines about disarming terror groups, not just “pausing” them
Unshakable support for Israel’s right — and duty — to defend its citizens
How We Can Pray and Act
As modern-day Esthers, we are not powerless in the face of big words like “peace plans” and “phase two.”
We can:
Pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and others making decisions that affect millions of lives.
Ask God to expose deception, whether in terror tunnels or at negotiating tables.
Speak plainly with friends, churches, and communities about Hamas, Iran, and the real stakes in Gaza.
Bless Israel in tangible ways — through giving, advocacy, and standing openly with the Jewish people.
“Phase two” may or may not be close. But the deeper battle — for truth, safety, and the future of Israel — is already here.
And in that battle, your love for Israel, your prayers, and your willingness to tell the truth are not small things. They are part of God’s answer.
