[Today’s Prayer] Hamas “If the attacks stop, we will consent to a full agreement”… Israel "no"

Hamas statement... “If the invasion is not stopped, we will not participate in the negotiations.”

Israel "We cannot agree to an end to the war in exchange for the release of all hostages."

With talks on a ceasefire and hostage release in the Gaza Strip remaining deadlocked, Hamas said it was ready for a "full agreement" including a prisoner exchange if Israel stopped its attacks.

According to Al Jazeera and others on the 30th (local time), Hamas issued a statement saying, "Hamas and the Palestinian political faction will not participate in the current policy of continuing negotiations, considering the invasion, siege, starvation, and massacre of our people."

He then pressed, “If the occupation forces (Israeli forces) in the Gaza Strip stop the war and aggression against our people, we are ready to reach a complete agreement, including comprehensive (prisoner) exchange negotiations.” He added that this intention was also notified to the Arbitration Bureau.

Hamas said on the 6th that it had shown flexibility in all talks, including the negotiation plan proposed by Egypt, and that it "engaged in a positive spirit." This negotiation proposal was opposed by Israel, saying it had not been previously approved.

The two sides are unable to narrow their differences over the duration of the ceasefire. Hamas is demanding that this ceasefire should lead to a permanent ceasefire no different from the previous war. Israel says it is only a temporary ceasefire and plans to continue attacks after it ends.

The Israeli government is maintaining a hard-line stance, saying it cannot end military operations in exchange for the release of all hostages.

According to Israel's Channel 12, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said in a meeting with hostage families that day that the current government will not agree to end the war with Hamas in exchange for the release of all held hostages.

However, he said he believed the first stage of the ceasefire, which would include the release of women, the elderly, and the wounded, would be achieved. The number of hostages in this category is estimated to be up to 33 out of 121.

Israel has been gradually increasing the level of its attacks since launching a ground operation in Rafah, the last city in the Gaza Strip, on the 6th. On the 28th, there was a report that they had taken control of the hills and corridors in the center of Rafah, and the next day, there was an announcement that they had taken control of the strategic corridor bordering Israel.

Source: Newsis

For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.

(Psalm 88:3-5)

Lord, we hear the news that the war between Israel and Hamas continues without an agreement being reached.

How can anyone fathom the pain of Israel, who are still heartbroken and mourning because 121 hostages have not returned, and the pain of Palestinian souls who have to face death in vain with no place to escape?

Living each day is full of troubles for the souls, and the hearts of those who have come close to hell are no different from those who go down to the pit.

Although these people have lost faith in where God is and whether he is listening to their prayers, the Lord has never once abandoned the hands of those who are struggling in pain.

Let them see God who is their help, who prays for them at night, during the day, and even at dawn.

At a time when they desperately need God's deliverance, please cut off the pain and division that seems unresolvable between the two peoples and pour out love and peace in abundance. Wipe away their tears and heal all their broken hearts.