Will this Gaza ceasefire hold? Islamic doctrine of hudna may be at play

As I reflect on this week's headlines, a familiar mix of cautious hope and unshakeable conviction, rooted in God's unchanging Word, stirs within me. For those of us who have traded an ideology of fear for the liberating truth of Christ, such moments resonate deeply.

Having spent two decades immersed in national security, chasing shadows of radicalism as a devout Muslim, I now speak from a place of redemption. I've exchanged Sharia's legalism for grace's freedom, learning that true peace isn't found in diplomatic agreements but anchored in the sovereignty of a God who orchestrates history.

The news from the Middle East in October 2025 is momentous. After two grueling years of war and immense loss, Israel and Hamas have signed a “landmark peace deal,” brokered by President Donald Trump, which was outlined during his address to the Knesset. The initial phase includes the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages from Gaza, over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and the reopening of five border crossings for humanitarian aid. Trucks are already lining up, and Israeli forces are withdrawing from northern Gaza, allowing displaced Gazans to return to their homes.

Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have endorsed the ceasefire, seeing it as a step toward regional transformation. Trump, quoting Jesus, declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” to cautious applause in Jerusalem. Reactions on social media are divisive, with some calling it a miracle and others a naive concession to terrorists. Hillary Clinton even offered rare praise for the negotiations.

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