Hamas Leader Killed
The leader of Hamas is dead after an operation by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza. Yahya Sinwar was the architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that sparked the current war in Gaza, and has been living in tunnels since shortly before those attacks. Sinwar’s death was announced by Israel and confirmed by Hamas, and Israeli planes dropped leaflets into Gaza announcing the death and proclaiming, “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.”
Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed concern about the unauthorized release of classified documents detailing Israeli military operations related to the ongoing war with Hezbollah on the Lebanon border. President Joe Biden dispatched Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel with a message that justice has been carried out with Sinwar, concern for the intelligence leak, and a renewed call for a cease-fire.
Analysis and eternal perspective: War is ugly. As Jesus followers, we should always view it through a biblical lens, and we at The Equipped have been consistently considering the developments of this war through a set of biblical principles outlined here. Scripture is clear that evildoers will be met with justice, and the result can be joyous to those who are liberated (Pr. 21:15). Sinwar’s actions related to the October 7, 2023 attacks (and beyond) were indescribably evil, and the fate he met this week reflected the consequences of those actions.
Sinwar’s death, however, is very unlikely to change the reality of the hateful opposition faced by Israel. Whether it be Hamas, Hezbollah, or others, the antisemitic attacks on Israel are all but certain to continue. We should continue to see and speak clearly about this reality, and to unequivocally support our Jewish brothers and sisters in the face of these attacks.
We should be equally clear that the gift of salvation through the finished work of Jesus on the cross is for everyone. Jesus conquered death by leaving the tomb on the third day, and His conquering offers a path to forgiveness for all who would believe (Rom. 6:23; Acts 10:43). May it be our prayer this week: “Father, may both those advancing evil and those suffering under its spread come to know your all-surpassing love and grace through Jesus!”
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.