Israel-Gaza Truce Offers Time to Serve Those in Need

The announcement yesterday of an Egyptian-brokered peace agreement seems to be an answer to prayer. Per CNN:

After more than seven weeks of heavy fighting, Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire Tuesday. And unlike the other ceasefires announced in recent weeks, this one has no expiration date. The truce does not deal with core long-term issues on both sides. But Israel agreed to ease the blockade on Gaza, open border crossings for more aid to pass through and extend the fishing limit off the coast to 6 miles, according to a senior Egyptian government official. Both sides agreed to return to Cairo for further talks, the official said.

Watching war play out half a world away unfortunately sometimes dulls our senses to the humanity of these situations. Blessedly, our Holy Father continues to remind us to #PrayForPeace, even giving the green light to such creative ideas as peace via soccer with the Inter-religious Match for Peace.

As I type this, it is Tuesday evening. The ceasefire went into effect just a few short hours ago, at noon ET today. I've already prayed that by the time this article releases tomorrow morning, the fighting will still be at bay and relief efforts and rebuilding can begin.

And there is no doubt that much healing will be needed. Just a few days ago, CRS shared this graphic showing the aid that has already been delivered to Gaza:

Additional help is greatly needed. And now is the time for us to redouble our prayer efforts, not to forget those in need as we busy ourselves with Labor Day plans and back to school busyness.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!