Hi folk, been a while posting, but my heart is heavy for the folk, Israeli and Palestinians the last few days, who are caught in the cruel grip of the Gaza war. As Christians, we are called to pray for Jerusalem’s peace (Psalm 122:6) and to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
I am Christian Zionist, trusting God’s promise to bless Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3). Still, I can't turn my eyes from the suffering in Gaza under Hamas’s shadow or the pain of wee ones like Yagil Yaakov in Israel, I can’t get the pictures out of my head the way he was treated.
The bombing of Al-Baqa cafe and breaks my heart, and I’m left wondering why a place like Egypt doesn't open its arms to Gaza’s innocents, like we Scots sent kids to the countryside in wartime.
Let’s look at these sorrows, seek God’s truth, and lift our prayers.
Al-Baqa Cafe: A Haven Lost
On June 30, 2025, an Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, a fantastic spot by the sea where folk gathered for a bit of internet and a moment’s peace, in this conflict, with Palestinians under the cosh of Hamas.
The blast, from a heavy bomb, took 24 to 39 lives, men, women and wee kids, and a journalist, Ismail Abu Hatab, among them.
I don’t often watch mainstream news but this young lass, Sama Abu Namous, just 17 and studying for her exams, was lost too and no chance to know about Jesus.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they were after “several Hamas terrorists,” claiming they used surveillance to spare civilians. They’re looking into it now, which makes me wonder if something went awry.
Could Hamas have been there? Aye, it’s possible. The cafe’s internet made it a draw for all sorts, and Hamas, known for hiding in plain sight, might’ve used it for meetings.
Post on Telegram claimed they were handing out salaries there to terrorists, but there’s no firm word to back that up, so we must tread lightly.
If Hamas was there, the IDF’s actions makes sense, but the loss of so many innocents begs the question: was it too heavy handed? Scripture bids us defend the helpless (Psalm 82:3), and I’m praying for wisdom to understand this tragedy.
Yagil Yaakov: A kids Suffering
Hananya Naftali - Israel News on Telegram reminded me of wee Yagil Yaakov, just a 12 year old kid, torn from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages.
Yagil’s father, Yair, was murdered, and the lad was dragged away, his hair pulled, paraded before cheering crowds in Gaza. For 52 days, he endured beatings and was forced into a propaganda video, shrugging in weary despair when freed.
His uncle shared tales of the horrors the bairns faced. Tragically, Yair’s body was later found, one of many hostages lost. Fifty remain, with maybe 20 still alive, and my heart is sore for them.
Young Yagil’s story shows Hamas’s cruelty in the act, pulling his hair and hitting him. Jesus sid “even the wee ones Jesus loved so dear Matthew 19:14”.
As Christians, we condemn such evil, yet brave Yagil’s return gives a glimmer of hope.
Let’s pray those still held find their way home.
Innocents Trapped: A Wider Sorrow
This war, sparked by Hamas’s attack, has left a trail of tears. Gaza’s Health Ministry, run by Hamas, states that over 56,000 Palestinians have died, including 15,000 children, although the numbers are difficult to verify as Hamas controls the media narrative in Gaza, and they are completely untrustworthy, I imagine not many in the hundreds have been killed through Hamas shielding.
Israel claims they have eliminated 20,000 Hamas fighters, but evidence is scarce. Palestinians are facing hunger due to Hamas stealing and selling humanitarian aid at high prices. Yet, trustworthy news outlets show no shortage of food, only fine bakery goods and homelessness due to a blockade, while Israelis live in fear of rockets and kidnappings.
The Al-Baqa bombing and Yagil’s ordeal show how the innocent, whether studying by the sea or sleeping in their beds, are caught in this storm.
I can't help but wonder why Egypt or other Arab nations don't take in Gaza’s folk, like we Scots moved kids to safety during the war. Egypt fears a new Nakba, like when 750,000 Palestinians were displaced in 1947-49, never to return.
They worry Hamas could sneak in, stirring trouble in Sinai, and their own struggles, debt, poverty, and hosting 9 million other refugees make it hard.
Corruption at Rafah crossing, where folk pay thousands to leave, like here in the UK between France and UK shores, traps the poorest.
It leaves Gaza’s people, like those at Al-Baqa, with nowhere to run when bombs fall.
A Christian Heart’s Response
As believers, we hold fast to God’s covenant with Israel (Genesis 17:7), trusting in their right to defend against Hamas. Yet, my heart breaks for Gaza’s folk, living under Hamas’s rule and the weight.
Jesus bids us to love our neighbours (Mark 12:31), and we must pray for the innocence of both sides. The Al-Baqa bombing, maybe aimed at Hamas, but killing so many, and October 7th killings and kidnappings show the war’s tangled pain.
We don't have all the answers, but we trust a God who does.
What Can We Do?
- Pray: Offer prayers for peace, a ceasefire, and the safe return of the hostages. Ask God to shield Gaza’s folk and bring them aid.
- Seek Truth: Both sides tell their tales, so let’s weigh them carefully. The IDF’s review and intelligence about Hamas at the cafe need God’s light.
The war’s torn lives like Sama’s and Yagil’s, and it’s a heavy load and a deep burden. Let us cling to Micah 6:8, seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God, trusting Him to heal this broken land.
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