As the latest ceasefire in Gaza takes hold and the long-awaited release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees is accomplished, many around the world are breathing a sigh of relief. We thank God for every life spared, and every family reunited.
Those of us who live and serve in the Holy Land know how fragile this peace can be.
Yet those of us who live and serve in the Holy Land know how fragile this peace can be and how difficult it will be to rebuild lives. The sound of weapons may have paused, but the pain, fear, and injustice continue.
If this ceasefire is to mean anything, it must become more than a temporary pause—it must be the beginning of a true, lasting peace rooted in justice, mercy, and truth.
The forgotten struggle in the West Bank
Meanwhile, while global media focuses on Gaza and Israel, life in the West Bank remains deeply painful. Bethlehem (the birthplace of our Savior) continues to suffocate under harsh occupation, closures, checkpoints, and daily humiliations. The economy is collapsing, families struggle to survive, and the Christian community continues to shrink under enormous pressure.
Yet, amid all of this hardship, the light of Christ still shines. Churches gather faithfully. Even in Gaza, ministries continue to serve and young believers cling to hope in God’s promises.
We, the living stones in this land testify that the true peace, the Prince of Peace, is still at work even when the world seems blind to his presence or blind to the suffering of our people.
A call to the global Church
To our brothers and sisters around the world:
Pray for all those who are suffering.
We ask you to pray—not only for the security of Israel, but also for the freedom, security, dignity, and future of the Palestinian people. Do not pray selectively, pray for all those who are suffering, and for all those whose hearts are hardened by fear or trauma.
True peace will not come through political strategies, military might, or violence. It will come only when all the people of the land are granted their God-given right to live freely and with dignity. As Scripture reminds us:
“The fruit of righteousness (literally, "justice") will be peace; the effect of righteousness (again, "justice") will be quietness and confidence forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
Please join me in praying:
Lord, God—we come before you in humility and hope. We thank you for every sign of mercy and every life spared. But, Lord, we ask for more than ceasefires. We ask for transformation.
Heal the broken hearts in Gaza, the West Bank, and the whole Land. Provide for those in need and strengthen your Church to be a light of hope and compassion. We pray for the rebuilding of Gaza and for hope for all those in the whole land who have lost parents, spouses and loved ones.
Use your church in Gaza to be a light in such a time as this and raise up leaders in Palestine to stand for their people in such a time as this, with wisdom, servant-heartedness, and godly strength.
We pray for the leaders of Israel, that they would seek the sometimes-costly way of peace: the way of reconciliation, compassion, and justice that reflects the very heart of God.
Turn the hearts of all leaders in the Holy Land towards you, Father. May all leaders on all sides seek justice and peace.
Help global & regional leaders to see that making peace as not just a trophy to hang on their walls, or for the sake of receiving international awards and recognition. But rather, it’s about saving human lives and changing the future of nations for the good. It’s participating in Jesus’ call to give better life to people.
May all the people of the Land understand that true justice and security can only be built on righteousness, grace. and truth.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, reveal yourself as savior and redeemer to both Palestinians and Israelis. Bring salvation, reconciliation, and the freedom that comes only through Your Spirit.
May this ceasefire become the seed of lasting peace, and may your kingdom come—in Gaza, in Bethlehem, in Jerusalem, and to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Jack Sara is the President of Bethlehem Bible College. Born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem, Jack studied at Bethlehem Bible College after committing his life to Christ and his teachings. Jack is an ordained minister with Evangelical Alliance Church in the Holy Land where he still maintains an overseeing role with the leadership of the churches. He is the General Secretary for the Middle East & North Africa Evangelical Alliance and works extensively in the areas of peace & reconciliation.
