Here’s the gist of what’s happening with a prayer…

In a high-stakes diplomatic visit to Israel, President Biden firmly declared U.S. solidarity with Israel, pledging to provide robust military aid while also advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He denounced Hamas’ actions, likening them to the "pure, unadulterated evil" of ISIS. At the same time, Biden recognized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stressed that most Palestinians are not represented by Hamas, confirming U.S.-backed efforts for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. His speech was a balancing act between denouncing terrorism and emphasizing the importance of human dignity, achieving a small but significant diplomatic win as Israel and Egypt agreed to open borders for humanitarian aid and evacuation.

Heavenly Father, we pray for peace and justice in this deeply troubled region. May leaders act with wisdom, compassion, and a profound respect for the dignity of every human life. We pray for the hostages, for their families, and for all who suffer due to conflict. Let your light shine in these dark times, guiding us toward reconciliation and peace. Amen.

Biden’s Impassioned Speech & Visit to Israel Moves the Needle

As President Biden touched down in Israel to begin a tour of diplomacy, negotiation, and solidarity, the world watched with bated breath to hear what he would say first. Joe Biden, whose tenure as President has been marked with jabs and jokes at his senior moments and less-than-eloquent interviews, walked up to the podium early Wednesday and delivered a message to the world: The United States stands with Israel, and it will support Israel while also looking out for the innocent Palestinians who are also suffering in Gaza. The political tightrope was razor thin, with several opportunities to fall, but Biden miraculously remained upright.

Solidarity with Israel & Hostages
Biden began his speech by decrying the acts of Hamas, stating they “committed atrocities that recall the worst ravages of ISIS, unleashing pure, unadulterated evil upon the world. There is no rationalizing it, no excusing it, period. The brutality we saw would have cut deep anywhere in the world. But it cuts deeper here in Israel.” He offered condolences and a word of hope to those who had lost loved ones

Biden also reaffirmed that the U.S. will continue to bring military aid to Israel, recalling the ties Israel and the United States have had since the Truman administration. “We're going to make sure we have what you need to protect your people [and] to defend your nation. For decades, we've ensured Israel's qualitative military edge. And later this week, I'm going to ask the United States Congress for unprecedented support package for Israel's defense. We're going to keep the iron dome fully supplied.” Biden stated.

Biden also said his highest priority would be to ensure the release of the hostages being held by Hamas. “To those who are living in limbo waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, especially to families of the hostages, you're not alone. We’re working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by Hamas. I can't speak public about all the details, but let me assure you, for me, as the American President, there's no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages.” Biden said. The hostage situation remains a top priority for the administration. Still, it will prove a daunting task, as Hamas sees the hostages as their most significant bargaining chip and shield against complete obliteration of the region.

The Suffering Palestinians & Humanitarian Aid
While Biden maintained that the U.S. is in solidarity with Israel, he mentioned that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be addressed. “The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. Hamas uses innocence, innocent families, and Gaza as human shields. Putting their command centers, their weapons, their communications tunnels, and residential areas. Palestinian people are suffering greatly as well.” Biden said.

President Biden continued to give information about the recent bombing at a hospital in Gaza, leading to the loss of hundreds of Palestinian lives. For a while, the perpetrator of the attacks was unknown. However, recent intelligence has confirmed that the bombing of that hospital in Gaza resulted from Hamas, not Israel. This further escalates Palestinians' tension with Hamas and makes the need for evacuation all the more necessary. As of this morning, talks between Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have resulted in the Egyptian and Israeli governments agreeing to open up the borders for humanitarian aid and evacuation of US citizens, as long as the aid doesn’t reach Hamas. According to Biden, “If Hamas diverts or steals the assistance [given to the people of Gaza], they will have demonstrated once again that they have no concern for the welfare of the Palestinian people.” This is a small but significant win for diplomacy.

Reflection
Biden concluded his speech by saying, “What sets us apart from the terrorist is we believe in the fundamental dignity of every human life.” This statement echoes the Biblical principle we have reiterated since this conflict began. Every life is precious in God’s sight, for we are all stamped with His image. The loss of life grieves us and brings us to our knees in prayer that innocent lives would cease to be taken.

President Biden also concluded with a callback to an ancient Hebrew tradition. On the day of Moses’ death, the people of Israel went back to the word of God and recalled the creation story. Biden said that this is what we should all do during this time, “A story of creation reminds us of two things.” Biden said, “First, when we get knocked down, we get back up again. And we begin to know. And second, when we're faced with tragedy and loss, we must go back to the beginning and remember who we are. We are all human beings creating an image of God with dignity, humanity and purpose. And the darkness to be the light unto the world is what we are about. You inspire hope and light for so many around the world. That's what the terrorists seek to destroy. That's what they seek to destroy. Because they live in darkness, but not you, not Israel. The nations of conscience, like the United States and Israel, are not measured solely by the example of power, who are measured by the power of our example. And that's why as hard as it is, must keep pursuing peace.”

Much is left undone, and many summits, meetings, and negotiations must be had. Today, we will rejoice in small victories without putting our full backing behind any one administration over another. Instead, we rally behind the name of Jesus, who calls us to care for the least of these, grieve with those who grieve, and pursue peace in every situation.

Thank you for joining us today on PRAY NEWS. It is our aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today you will proceed with hope, love, and determination to be a force for good.