Israel

Watchdog Alert: Faith Leaders’ Reaction To Hostage Release

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Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events in the areas of religion and faith from around the world and brings the information to our readers in bite sized chunks. Here are some reactions from various faith leaders about the recent ceasefire and hostage release in Israel and Gaza.

Christian Leaders / Institutions

  • Bishop Robert Stearns (Eagles’ Wings Ministries) spoke of “hope amid historic ceasefire,” saying that God works in the midst of our pain as families reunite. The Jerusalem Post
  • Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem welcomed the hostage release “with joy,” calling it “a first step” and hoping it would mark “the beginning of the end of this terrible war.” They emphasized urgency of humanitarian relief and the path toward healing and reconciliation. Religion Media Centre
  • The Anglican bishops in parts of England (Southwark, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Norwich) issued statements welcoming the Gaza peace deal, praying for immediate relief and comfort, and calling for a “fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviour” to avoid a return to violence. Religion Media Centre

Faith / Aid Organizations

  • Tearfund (Christian relief agency) welcomed the agreement but stressed that unless the ceasefire holds and humanitarian aid flows without obstruction, lives will continue to be lost. Religion Media Centre
  • Islamic Relief similarly urged that the announcement alone is not enough — there must be enforcement, unrestricted aid, and accountability. Religion Media Centre
  • Christian Aid cautioned that a return to “the old status quo” is not an option; peace must include justice, dignity, and equality for Palestinians and Israelis. Religion Media Centre

Jewish Religious Voices

  • Jewish community and organizational leaders broadly praised the hostage release deal and saw it as a fulfillment of prayers and moral hope. eJewishPhilanthropy
  • Federations and Jewish organizations issued statements calling for conversion of this moment into lasting peace and security for all. eJewishPhilanthropy

Watchdog Alert: Who Are The Palestinians?

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In light of the most recent events in the Middle East surrounding a ceasefire and potential long-term peace deal between Israel and Gaza, I wanted to revisit a blog post I did in March of this year which highlights a very interesting and informative article published recently on the Jewish Press website by Dr. Harold Rhode titled “Most Palestinian Families Come from Immigrants from the Past Two Centuries“.

Here are a few excerpts from his piece.

“Prior to 1948, the date when the Jewish state was re-established, practically the only people who referred to themselves as Palestinians were the Jews who lived there. The others there, mainly Muslim Arabs, referred to themselves as Muslims.” 

“…The modern Palestinian identity was largely invented in 1964, when the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was created.”

“…By the 19th century, much of what is now the West Bank and Gaza was sparsely populated and underdeveloped. Travelers such as Mark Twain and former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant described the region as barren and largely uninhabited. These accounts, written without political bias, provide insight into the state of the land before the demographic shifts that followed.”

And in his conclusion to the article, Dr. Rhode states: “The historical connections between the people of Gaza, the West Bank and British Mandate Palestine are complex—shaped by centuries of migration, trade and political shifts. They are not one people, but a hodge-podge of peoples with no prior connection to pre-1948 Palestine, who settled there during the past two centuries.”

The biblical history of the region is clear – the land and the blessing were given to Abraham and his seed through Isaac by God’s covenant.

Genesis 17:18-21 (KJV) – 18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

They Said It: Israel/Gaza Ceasefire

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Picture via Lara Jameson pexels.com

Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East and around the globe, bringing the latest news summaries to our readers. 

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres

“The United Nations will support the full implementation of the agreement and will scale up the delivery of sustained and principled humanitarian relief … He urged all parties ‘to seize this momentous opportunity to establish a credible political path forward towards ending the occupation, recognizing the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and achieving a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.” AJC

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza … This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza.” VOZ News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters who have endured indescribable suffering for two years … We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.” AJC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace … With God’s help we will bring them all home.” L’Orient Today

Watchdog Alert: Middle East Peace?

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Matthew 24:6-7 – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

And now, rumors of peace.

Here is a brief summary and analysis of President Trumps 20-point Middle East peace plan, which would go into effect immediately once all parties, including Hamas, agree to it.

Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point Middle East peace plan aims to end the war in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and establish a transitional governance structure for the territory.

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities. It envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal paired with Hamas disarmament, with amnesty or safe passage abroad offered to members who renounce violence.

During the transition, Gaza would be overseen by a technocratic authority under international supervision, supported by a multinational security force and eventually leading to Palestinian self-governance under a reformed Palestinian Authority. Importantly, the plan rules out forced displacement of Gazans or Israeli annexation of the territory.

While the framework opens the door to a future Palestinian state, it makes such progress heavily conditional on security guarantees and governance reforms. Critics note that many details remain vague, especially regarding timelines, the composition of the transitional authority, and enforcement mechanisms. Supporters argue the plan represents a pragmatic path to both immediate stability and a long-term settlement, balancing Israeli security needs with Palestinian political aspirations.

Ultimately, the plan’s viability depends on Hamas’s acceptance—something far from guaranteed—as well as the willingness of regional and international actors to fund and enforce the transition. Like Trump’s 2020 “Vision for Peace,” this plan risks being seen as skewed toward Israel’s priorities, but its emphasis on halting the war, preventing annexation, and laying groundwork for Palestinian governance makes it a significant new attempt to reset the diplomatic agenda.

They Said It: Reactions To Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN Speech

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Friday, 9/26/25, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Several UN members staged a walk-out as Netanyahu began his speech.

Here are some other reactions from world figures after the speech.

The Anti-Bibi

Taher al-Nunu (Hamas media adviser): “Boycotting Netanyahu’s speech is one manifestation of Israel’s isolation and the consequences of the war of extermination.” The Times of Israel

Adel Atieh (PA, European affairs dept.): “This speech showed neither vision nor perspective: it only reflected growing isolation, a headlong rush forward, and the anxiety of a power that knows it stands on the wrong side of history.” The Times of Israel

Yair Lapid (Israeli opposition): “Instead of stopping the diplomatic tsunami — Netanyahu today worsened Israel’s situation.” Reuters

Izzat al-Rishq (Hamas political bureau): “He had been left with ‘nothing but a chorus of cheerleaders who entered the UN hall only to clap in support of genocide.’” The Times of Israel

    The Pro-Bibi

    Bezalel Smotrich (Israeli Finance Minister, coalition ally) “He laid down once again necessary and clear principles, both morally and practically: We will not stop until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned. And we will never agree to a Palestinian state.” The Times of Israel

    Donald Trump (former U.S. President) “I think we have a deal on Gaza … It’s going to be a deal that will get the hostages back. It’s going to be peace.” Fox News

    Netanyahu (referring to critics in his U.N. speech, used in reactions) “We will not commit national suicide because you don’t have the guts to face down a hostile media and antisemitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.” ABC

    Opposition reaction summarizing pro-Netanyahu praise “Great speech by PM Netanyahu, shattering these blood libels and false accusations against Israel.” The Times of Israel

    Watchdog Alert: Israeli-Gaza War

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    Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

    “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

    Much of what our Lord was prophesying here had to do with the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, which would happen within 40 years or so of this prophesy and his imminent death and resurrection.

    However there is no reason not to consider that he was also making a double prophecy, which is fairly common in the Bible, extending the meaning here to also warn of the time immediately preceding the Final Judgement.

    As watchdogs living in this time and place we should always keep our ears tuned to ‘rumors of wars’ and be aware of the seasons of God’s plans and purposes.

    Here’s the latest from the conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

    Ground offensive launched in Gaza City
    Israel has initiated a major ground operation into Gaza City, stepping up its military campaign. The assault includes air, sea, and ground strikes targeting what Israel describes as Hamas infrastructure. Thousands of Palestinian civilians are fleeing the area despite severe constraints. AP News

    Evacuations and displacement
    Israel has ordered mass evacuations of civilians from parts of Gaza City. Given warnings and fighting, many civilians are moving south or west, often under dire conditions. However, large numbers remain, limited by lack of resources, safe routes, or housing. AP News

    Human toll and humanitarian crisis

    • Significant civilian casualties are reported, notably among children and women. AP News
    • Famine or severe food insecurity continues, with deaths attributed to hunger rising. Reuters
    • Infrastructure damage is substantial: residential buildings, roads, mosques, and other civilian structures have been destroyed or heavily damaged. Reuters

    UN commission report – genocide accusation
    A U.N. independent commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing evidence such as killings, displacement, blockade of aid, and destruction of infrastructure (including a fertility clinic) as consistent with attempts to “destroy, in whole or in part, Palestinians in Gaza.” Israel firmly rejects these findings. The Guardian

    International response and pressure

    • UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as “horrendous” and “morally, politically and legally intolerable.” The Guardian
    • The European Union is discussing or preparing new sanctions or trade restrictions on Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian situation. Reuters
    • United Nations and human rights bodies are calling for cessation or serious pause in hostilities. There is also mounting global concern over violations of international humanitarian law. The Guardian

    Timeline given for Gaza City control
    Israeli military officials have indicated the Gaza City offensive is expected to take several months to conquer fully. They say that the city’s entrenched infrastructure makes operations slower and more complex. The Guardian

    Watchdog Alert: UN Endorses Two-State Solution

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    Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers.

    Here’s some of the latest from UN action on issues in Israel and the Middle East.

    Reuters reports that, “The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly voted to endorse a declaration outlining “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a meeting of world leaders.”

    The declaration was proposed and advocated for by France and Saudi Arabia according to a previous report from Reuters.

    Watchdog Alert: Israeli-Hamas Conflict

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    Photo via cottonbro studio at pexels.com

    Here is Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-7, teaching his disciples about the end times. But also encouraging them to ‘see that ye be not troubled’.

    “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” (KJV)

    Recent news from the Middle East:

    “Israel kills 62 today as Gaza aid seekers, ‘safe zones’ attacked” – Al Jazeera

    • Summary: Israeli forces targeted a residential building in Gaza City—housing dozens of displaced Palestinian families—after issuing forced evacuation orders. At least 37 of the 62 fatalities occurred in Gaza City as the assault continued into the early hours.
      Al Jazeera

    “Israel expands operations in Gaza City; tells famine-stricken residents to move to safe zone” – CBS News / AP

    • Summary: As operations intensify in Gaza City, Israel urged starving residents to relocate to a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza—Muwasi—equipped with field hospitals, water, food, and tents. Aid groups warned that mass evacuation would only deepen the humanitarian crisis.
      CBS News

    “Escalating Israeli offensive in Gaza City will have catastrophic and irreversible consequences for Palestinians” – Amnesty International

    • Summary: Amnesty condemned Israel’s full-scale assault on Gaza City, warning it will devastate civilian life and exacerbate a famine largely caused by Israel’s blockade. Displacing hundreds of thousands, Amnesty called the campaign a likely war crime under international law.
      Amnesty International

    “More than 7,000 under-fives in Gaza put in malnutrition recovery in two-week period” – The Guardian / UNICEF data

    • Summary: Over 7,000 children under five were admitted to UNICEF malnutrition recovery programs in just two weeks in August; projected numbers for the month may exceed 15,000—more than seven times higher than February figures. A famine has been declared in Gaza City and is spreading south. Families survive on minimal food, and overcrowded designated zones lack basic services.
      The Guardian

    They Said It: Alva McClain On The Kingdom Of Heaven

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    I’m finishing reading and studying The Greatness of the Kingdom by Alva McClain. Highly recommended as a master class on what Yeshua meant when he repeatedly said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

    It’s not possible to understand the ministry of Yeshua, the plan of God, the role of Israel, or the overall theme of God’s Word and plan for His creation if you don’t understand what the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” means.

    Here are some quotes from McClain on the topic:

    The Universal Kingdom

    “In the universal and providential sense, the kingdom of God has already come and the will of God is being done on earth. This rule of God, in fact, has always existed and has never been abrogated or interrupted. … On the basis of blood-redemption it will put down at last all rebellion with all its evil results, thus finally bringing the kingdom and will of God on earth as it is in heaven. When this purpose has been accomplished, the mediatorial phase of the kingdom will finally disappear as a separate entity, being merged with the universal kingdom of God.” From LifeCoach4God

    Biblical Continuity with Prophecy

    “In announcing the approaching advent of ‘the kingdom of heaven,’ Jesus had in view the very kingdom which the prophets had foretold.”
    From LifeCoach4God

    Present and Spiritual Expression

    “Thus, as Christian believers, we actually enter the kingdom prior to its establishment on earth, something so remarkable that it is spoken of as a translation (Col 1:13).”
    From LifeCoach4God

    Restoration to Israel

    “Therefore, until Israel is where he ought to be, both religiously and politically, there can be no thorough and permanent solution of the international problems.”
    From Goodreads

    They Said It: Four Famous Quotes On The Founding Of Modern Israel

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    Regardless of what one my think about the purity of the Jewish bloodline today, the founding of the modern state of Israel in 1948 was a remarkable historic event.

    Here are some quotes from some of the leaders of the time who witnessed and were part of that history.

    David Ben-Gurion, May 14, 1948 (Declaration of Independence):
    “The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel.”

      Chaim Weizmann, 1948 (first President of Israel):
      “Miraculously, the Jewish people have survived through the centuries, and now, with the establishment of the State of Israel, we have returned to our rightful home.”

        Harry S. Truman, May 14, 1948 (U.S. recognition of Israel):
        “I had faith in Israel before it was established; I have faith in it now. I believe it has a glorious future before it—not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.”

          Golda Meir (reflecting on 1948):
          “When peace comes, we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons.”