“Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me. Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, And stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me, Say to my soul, I am your salvation” (Ps. 35: 1-3).
“I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps, He has put a new song in my mouth. Praise to our God. Many will see it and fear; And I will trust in the LORD” (Ps. 40:1-3).
Dear Friends of Israel:
Let all of Israel rejoice! Let all of Israel praise the LORD! Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King! After almost sixteen months imprisoned in the most brutal conditions, four IDF border observers were released last Saturday by their Hamas captors. These women, Liri Albag 19, Karina Ariev 20, Naama Levy 20, and Daniella Gilboa 20, were captured October 7, 2023 and held by these terrorists. Months of lengthy negotiations and your prayers brought about their release.
First, though, Hamas brought them out of hiding, dressed them in fake IDF uniforms, and paraded them on a public stage in Gaza’s Palestine Square. There, masses of shouting, crazed Muslims celebrated their capture, which was broadcast on global television. Then when this spectacle was finished these four young women were turned over to the Red Cross, the same organization that never visited them while they were held. Then these young women were brought over to the IDF positions in the Gaza where an IAF helicopter flew them to safety, and into the arms of their loved ones. Immediately after her release Liri Albag and the other three freed abductees offered their thanks to Israelis and to the soldiers who rescued them in a short video clip. She concluded her message by saying “Thank you so much, I love you!” Liri then made a heart sign with her hands. Pray for their recovery.
Israel is also obligated during this ceasefire to allow the passage of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. During this past week 2,500 truckloads of aid was sent into Gaza, whereupon Hamas hijacked some 50% of these supplies. They are then resold at inflated prices in the markets of Gaza, to finance Hamas’ needs. Israel is required to furnish water, fuel and electrical power to this enclave. Hamas has also recruited some 15,000 more “soldiers” to replace its losses (U.S. and Israel sources).
U.S. Private Security Company to Maintain Order
An armed private security firm recruited by the U.S. is set to maintain order in areas evacuated by the IDF (as required in the ceasefire agreement). This 100 strong force will be there to inspect vehicles heading north to Gaza City. Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) as well as UG Solutions are tasked with preventing the return of terrorists and weapons to Northern Gaza. Egypt will also be sending in another security company to help with inspections. Funding for these private companies will be provided by Egypt, Qatar and the U.S (Ynetnews). How both Hamas and Islamic Jihad will get along with these added forces is questionable. I don’t think their presence will go down very well. It is also interesting that the U.N. apparently wants nothing to do with sending in security troops into Gaza. The IDF will stay in a 700 meter (almost 1/2 mile) “buffer zone” near its border.
Talks on Phase 2 of this Peace Deal also will begin this week in Cairo. President Trump has also released the weapons and material hold imposed on Israel by the Biden Administration. This means Israel will be able to receive the needed D-9 bulldozers to replace the ones worn out as well as the 2,000 pound tunnel destroying bombs.
200 Islamic Terrorists Released
Israel also released 200 security prisoners, 50 convicted men for each of the IDF soldiers held, as per the “ceasefire” agreement. These security prisoners included 121 prisoners serving life sentences, and 79 terrorists with “blood on their hands” serving lengthy sentences. Israel then deported 70 of these men to Egypt, while 114 were released to Judea and Samaria. The remaining 16 were brought back to Gaza and released. Palestinian Authority President Abbas also was quick to offer congratulations to freed terrorist Yasser Abu Bakr who was convicted of murdering three Israelis including a 9-month-old baby, as well as a policeman. Abbas is also pressuring the U.S. to let the P.A. supervise the Rafah Crossing in Gaza with Egypt. P.A. Chairman Abbas though is not a partner for peace with Israel and must not be given authority to watch over the Rafah Crossing. The last time the P.A. tried to govern the Gaza Strip their representatives either fled or were killed by Hamas.
Past Prisoner Releases
Past history has also shown that with these large prisoner releases by Israel, a high percentage of these men return to terrorism, further endangering Israelis. However, the ongoing public and political pressure on Netanyahu’s administration left the Israeli government with no choice but to reach a deal, no matter how bad it was. Surveys have also shown that general public was ready to bring these loved ones home, whatever the future price to be paid in more terror attacks.
More Captives Remain
Hamas is still holding other living hostages as security, while several more were released this week during the first phase of this ceasefire, including Agan Berger and Arbel Yehud who were held by Islamic Jihad terrorists. Also released were 80-year-old Gadi Moses and five workers from Thailand. Set to be released this Saturday are American Israeli, Keith Siegel, French Israeli, Ofer Kalderon (whose captive family members were released in the first hostage-for-prisoner exchange months ago), and Yarden Bibas, husband of Shiri Bibas, and father of two sons, Ariel (5) and Kfir (2). Whether Shiri and the two red-headed boys are still alive or not is yet to be revealed. In addition, there are IDF soldiers, civilians and foreign nationals still held captive in the dark tunnels of Gaza. These first prisoner exchanges only provide for the release of 42 individuals, out of a remaining 87 kidnapped Israelis, Bedouins, and foreign nationals. Please continue to pray for the health, safety and release of these abductees.
Hezbollah
Israel, some two months ago, agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah, the Iranian supported terrorist group in Lebanon. This term expired January 26th, but Israel has petitioned the Trump Administration for a 30-day extension, as numerous caches of weapons are still being discovered. France and the U.N. are also involved in these discussions. A full agreement requires Israel to pull back to its borders, without a safety zone. The Lebanese Army would then guarantee security, and Hezbollah would withdraw north of the Litani River. However, the Lebanese Army has been very slow to deploy to these areas, leaving them open to Hezbollah infiltrations. The Northern Israelis towns of Kiryat Shemona, Metula and the other communities there are still desolate. There are some 60,000 Israel citizens from the North that have been living in hotels or with families scattered about the nation, unable to return to their homes. Hezbollah will have to be either contained or eliminated in order to bring these displaced Israelis home. Please also pray that this ongoing threat against Israel’s Northern borders be resolved.
Good News
Since October 7th, 2023, Israel has gone it alone regarding air service. Most, if not all, of the world’s leading airlines canceled their flights to/from Israel. Only El Al, Israir Airlines and Air Dubai flew out of Ben Gurion airport. However with the ongoing ceasefire with Hamas and Hezbollah, many of the major airlines are resuming service to Israel. Recently it was announced that Air India, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Ryan Air, Easy Jet and even Delta are scheduled to begin flights to Israel this coming Spring.
Thank you
Marylois and I are spending a little time here in Northern Arkansas, but our hearts are in Jerusalem. We want again to thank everyone for their support for us, and prayers.
Remember David’s great prayer: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning” (Ps. 137:5.) “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you” (Ps. 122:6).
Shuvua Tov (Have a great week),
Gene and Marylois/House of Peace, Jerusalem.