Three and Three Hostages Returned to Israel

Yesterday, during combat in Shejaiya, Gaza, Israeli Defense Forces mistakenly killed three hostages who had managed to escape from Hamas: Yotam Haim (m, 28, abducted from Kfar Azza); Samer Talalka (m, 22, abducted from Nir Am kibbutz); and Alon Shamriz (m, 26, abducted from Kfar Azza).

Just before that tragic event, the bodies of three hostages killed by Hamas were identified. Sgt. Ron Sherman (m, 19) was abducted October 7 from the army base where he served near the Gaza border. Cpl. Nik Beizer (m, 19) was working at the Gaza District Coordination and Liaison, which helps Gazans receive needed provisions through the Erez Crossing, when terrorists stormed the base and kidnapped him. Elia Toledano (m, 27), a dual citizenship French-Israeli, was taken, along with his friend, Mia Schem and many others, during the massacre at the Supernova open-air music concert. Mia was released November 30.

In addition, hostage Tal Haimi (Chaimi), 41, the father of three children: nine-year-old twins and a six-year-old boy, was confirmed dead on December 13. He was killed October 7, and his body taken to Gaza.

About 1,200 Israelis were murdered in the October 7 Hamas invasion, another three in a Jerusalem attack at the end of November, at least 17 hostages in Gaza (names that have been released), and 118 soldiers since Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza began at the end of October. Israel is 97% unreached, which means most of those who lost their lives did not know the saving gospel of Christ. Gaza is 99% unreached, with an estimated close to 18,000 dead and around 50,000 wounded since the war began.

Please continue praying by name for the healing and salvation of both freed and remaining hostages, and for other survivors of the Hamas invasion and the families of those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. For continually updated information, see our Israel-Gaza page:

https://prayerwallforthenationandtheworld.wordpress.com/israel-gaza/

Abba Father, so many are dying without ever hearing the good news of Jesus’ sacrifice paid for them so they could be free from sin and death. Please have mercy. Make a way for every Israeli and every Palestinian to hear the gospel in a such a way they will understand and receive You as Savior. Lift the veil from their eyes so they will see You as You truly are, and give them a hunger for Love so strong, they will seek Truth and find You. Meet them in their dreams at night. Talk to them throughout the day. Wherever there is internet, connect them to websites and Christians who will share with them the plan of salvation. Remind both Israelis and Palestinians that You are their Home, not a place. That You are the Sovereign One, not a government or terrorist organization. That Your laws are perfect and filled with love, bringing the pathway to peace, joy, and LIFE through intimacy with You. And that only those who place their faith in Christ can ever truly be free. Meet every Jew as they read the Torah, as they pray to You, as they cry out for the safety of their loved ones, and ask You for mercy. Meet Palestinians as they bow to Allah in prayer and wonder what they will eat today or if their families will survive this war. Give them such a hatred of hatred and violence that they will feel repulsed at the atrocities committed by those who claim to serve “God” and they will long for something more. Place around them Christian aid workers who will love them and show them that better way, who will shine Christ’s love so brightly no Palestinian can deny that You are the one true and living God, and You are Good. As terrorists now fear for their lives, give them such a fear of the Lord they will lay down their weapons and surrender to Love. Make a way for every heart to hear Your good news before it’s too late. We ask the same for the families of all those who have died, Lord. Please give them such a yearning for a better way that when they hear the gospel, they will receive the King of Kings with open arms and be saved. Yes, Lord, Awaken Hamas, awaken Gaza, awaken Israel, awaken all of Palestine, Lebanon and beyond to the wonders of Your love. Use this terrible tragedy to bring forth a church planting movement that spreads throughout all the Holy Land and the Middle East.

Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:

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