20th  October 2025

Yesterday, entry points into Gaza for aid convoys were closed after  the Israeli government accused Hamas of violating the  ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military said on Sunday that air force fighter jets carried out air strikes in Gaza’s Rafah area to remove a threat after “terrorists” opened fire on troops. Officials said 45 Palestinians were killed by strikes yesterday, launched after Israel said two of its soldiers were killed in an attack in Rafah - which Hamas claimed to be unaware of.  A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said “round-the-clock” contacts were underway to de-escalate the situation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to reporters. 

Loving God, we continue to pray for all people living in Gaza.  Turn the hearts of the Israeli administration that they will be compassionate and allow humanitarian aid be brought to desperate needy people.  Guide the interventions of the Egyptian and other peacemakers that they will be able to secure the ceasefire agreement and enable a de-escalation of tensions and hostilities. May all sides seek peace rather than fighting and death, so that a more lasting peace may be possible.  Move among those who are thinking forward that your will shall be done across Israel and Palestine.  In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.  Amen.

Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire".  The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated talks alongside Türkiye, said both sides had agreed to establish "mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability".  Pakistan has long accused the Taliban of harbouring armed groups which carry out attacks in Pakistan.  The Taliban denies these allegations.   Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said ending "hostile actions" was "important". Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's foreign minister described the agreement the "first step in the right direction". 

Psalm 95:1-7 (GNT)

Come, let us praise the Lord!

Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us!

Let us come before him with thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs of praise.

For the Lord is a mighty God,

a mighty king over all the gods.

He rules over the whole earth,

from the deepest caves to the highest hills.

He rules over the sea, which he made;

the land also, which he himself formed.

Come, let us bow down and worship him;

let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

He is our God;

we are the people he cares for,

the flock for which he provides.