Israel (MNN) -- Ceasefire talks between Israeli and Hamas delegations entered a second day in Egypt. Mediators are addressing points of contention like hostage and prisoner exchanges, disarmament, and troop withdrawals.
Over the weekend, a White House official announced that U.S. President Donald Trump was dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Egypt to finalize the technical arrangements for the hostage release and to explore a long-term peace agreement.
"We are certainly watching what's happening with these ceasefire negotiations, and we are looking for direction on next steps," Bruce with Uncharted Ministries says.
"We're obviously very concerned for our staff [who] are in the fight; one of our close contacts in Israel [has a son who] is the tank commander."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope that the captives' return could be announced during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, observed from October 6 to 13. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continue deep within Gaza.
Hamas jihadists raided a Jewish community on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. More about that here. Nearly 50 hostages remain in Gaza today, and only 20 are still alive.
"We have a Jewish member of our team and then our Israeli national leader there; they say the nation is exhausted. Some are experiencing trauma, PTSD," Bruce says.
However, despite the mental toll of war, "as long as the hostages are still held, they can't move on."
Uncharted partners with Jewish-background believers in Israel, and "We've heard, 'October 7 has changed everything,'" Bruce adds.
Israelis are asking deeper questions about faith, purpose, and healing. In the midst of loss, a hunger for hope is growing - and many are finding strength in God's promises. Learn how you can support this Gospel growth by partnering with Uncharted.
"Become educated and maybe as a 'bucket list' go [to Israel]," Bruce says. "Then you can pray right on the ground and see it firsthand."
Header and story images courtesy of Uncharted Ministries.