Two years ago this past week, on October 7, 2023, Hamas unleashed terror across Israel — a day that still shapes every prayer, every headline, and every heart in the Holy Land.
Now, on this second anniversary, the world is watching another kind of turning point.
After months of relentless warfare and heartbreak, hostages may finally be coming home. President Donald J. Trump’s peace plan—what some are already calling a miracle of persistence—is beginning to take hold. Israel, Hamas, and regional powers have agreed to the first steps of a ceasefire and the release of captives.
The situation is changing by the hour, but this past week tells a story of courage, diplomacy, and the unshakable hope of God’s people.
Hostages, Hope, and Hard Choices
Two years after the October 7 attacks, Israel is still fighting for its hostages and its future.
Fox News reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under intense strain as negotiations continue. Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered a “security net” to help pass the peace plan—putting political differences aside to bring every last hostage home.
Just days later, a breakthrough came. Newsmax confirmed that Israel and Hamas agreed to release hostages in the first phase of President Trump’s peace deal. The exchange includes Palestinian prisoners, a temporary pause in fighting, and humanitarian aid for civilians.
As the ceasefire took effect, crowds in Israel and Gaza began to celebrate. Newsmax’s follow-up described families waving flags, crying, and praying as President Trump announced, “There will be a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
A Moment of Gratitude — and Caution
At the New York Sun, Perry Chiaramonte reported that Netanyahu’s cabinet prepared to vote on the deal as families of hostages personally thanked President Trump for his efforts. Netanyahu called it a “moral victory,” while his ministers debated how far Israel should pull back militarily.
But as columnist Benny Avni wrote, peace does not mean danger has disappeared. Iran, Turkey, and other enemies still loom. Israel’s security must remain firm, even while the world breathes a sigh of relief.
Scenes of Joy in Israel
In Tel Aviv, Hostages Square became a place of tears and dancing.
The Jewish Chronicle described cautious optimism as families gathered with U.S. and Israeli flags, thanking God and the mediators who made the release possible.
Netanyahu called the deal a “national and moral victory.”
Another Chronicle report traced how a failed Israeli air strike in Doha pushed Qatar to finally pressure Hamas—a reminder that even mistakes can be redeemed for good.
Remembering the Victims and the Voices
In her powerful essay for Times of Israel, Penny S. Tee looked back at that terrible morning two years ago, naming what too many have forgotten: the brutality of Hamas’s crimes, the silence of women’s rights groups, and the resilience of survivors still healing.
Her question lingers: Have we learned anything?
During the same week, Ben Shapiro interviewed Netanyahu, who reaffirmed Israel’s alliance with the United States under President Trump. He later told Shapiro, “With his help, this war will end soon.”
Peace, But Not Forgetfulness
The world is rejoicing at the news of a ceasefire, but as Benny Avni warned in his op-ed, vigilance must never fade.
Peace agreements can stop a war; they cannot stop hatred. Only God can do that.
As Christians who love Israel, we see a spiritual pattern unfolding. Where evil tries to destroy, God raises up leaders who pursue peace. Where lies spread, truth endures. And where darkness shouts, faith answers back.
So we give thanks for the hostages soon to be home, for the courage of Israeli families, and for the promise that the God of Abraham still watches over His people.
“He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” — Psalm 121:4
Let us keep praying for Israel’s safety, for President Trump’s continued wisdom, and for a lasting peace that the world cannot take away.
