Israeli Hostage Recovered, More Strikes on Gaza

IDF forces recovered the body of hostage Itay Svirsky, murdered by Hamas about four months after he was taken hostage last year. He was held alongside hostage Noa Argamani, rescued this summer, and Yossi Sharabi, probably killed in an air strike.

An investigation into the deaths of six hostages found in a tunnel beneath Khan Younis in August revealed Yoram Metzger,  Alexander Dancyg,  Avraham Munder, Chaim Peri, Nadav Popplewell, and Yagev Buchshtab were most likely shot by their guards on February 14 when an air strike hit close-by.

At least 21 Palestinians were killed and perhaps 28 wounded Wednesday in Muwasi tent camp, and others died in central Gaza due to Israeli air strikes. The IDF has also launched an offensive in the far north, where aid shipments have been blocked for about two months, leading to possible famine. In addition, about a week ago, the UN stopped food shipments into Gaza because of mass looting of aid trucks by armed gangs.

To pray by name for the remaining 100 hostages, see our regularly updated post:

Pray for Israel Hostages in Gaza by Name

Hamas-controlled Gaza is 99% Muslim. Already in this war, an estimated more than 44,500 Palestinians have died without ever hearing the good news about Christ, and thousands more are believed still buried beneath the rubble since the war began in October of 2023. 

But God has been moving in the midst of tragedy. One report said 200 displaced Palestinians met Jesus in their dreams on the same night. Let’s continue to pray for thousands more to come to Christ before it’s too late, and for Jews who do not yet know their Messiah.

For continued updates on the Israel-Gaza war and the Christians harboring in Gaza City, visit our Israel-Gaza page:

Pray for Israel, Gaza and Lebanon in These Trying Times

Lord, please be a Shield of protection around the hostages still held by Hamas. Open the way immediately for their safe release, escape or rescue. As they remain in captivity, please soften the hearts of the Hamas guards to recognize their sin, repent and be saved. Meet them in their dreams and point them to Christ as their way of salvation. You’ve done it before, Lord. Please do it again. Our hearts are saddened by the devastating numbers of those who have died, those who are in need of healing, those who hunger and those undergoing extreme hardship and stress. But most of all, we long to see the lost saved and the spiritual captives set free. Comfort those who have lost so much, and heal their minds and bodies. Cast out fear with Your perfect love and bring Christians to them to bring forth Your healing in the midst of so much suffering. Get Bibles into the hands of those who hunger for hope. From out of so much death, bring forth LIFE, Lord. Spark a church-planting movement in Gaza and Israel that spreads all throughout the Middle East. Draw every Palestinian and Israeli heart to Yourself, and then place Christians there in their midst to clearly share Your good news that brings freedom. Replace hatred with LOVE, war with PEACE, and death with new LIFE. Make the horrific acts of these terrorists who claim to serve “God” so repulsive, millions of Muslims will balk at such religion gone wrong and hunger for what is right. May they seek You with all their hearts and find You. Please also shine Your light and truth to every Israeli heart. Their Messiah has come, but they do not yet acknowledge Him. Please, Lord, show them the Truth. John 8:31-32. Lift the veil from their eyes so they will see You as You truly are. In Your name. Amen.

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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:

For 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, Volume 2, and deep Bible studies on overcoming adversity and breaking free from fear and trauma, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

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