Could This War Be Coming to an End?

Ron Cantor
Sep 30
5 min read

Could it be that this war is finally drawing to a close? Reports suggest that President Trump has met with leaders of Arab nations to secure their commitment not only to rebuild Gaza but also to govern it, ensuring it is demilitarized and that Hamas is removed from power.

Here are two articles if you’d like to get up to speed:

• Times of Israel

• Jerusalem Post

Remembering God’s Heart for All Humanity

One of the things that pro-Israel believers must keep in mind is that God created all people in His image — including Palestinians. We can all agree that Hamas is an evil organization, driven by a demonic ideology. They have shown utter disregard for their own people, exploiting humanitarian crises for propaganda. It’s true that much of Gaza sympathizes with them, but not everyone does.

For this war to go on indefinitely would come at a massive human cost. Not every Gazan hates Israel or the Jewish people. Many simply want to live peaceful lives.

A Personal Encounter

When we moved to Ashkelon, our mover hired several Gazan workers for the day. Since they couldn’t stay in Israel overnight (this was six months before October 7, when many Palestinians held daily work permits), I offered to drive them to the nearest bus stop on the highway.

I’ll admit — I was nervous. What if they tried to kidnap me or harm me? Those thoughts flashed through my mind. But it was Friday, buses would soon stop for Shabbat, and they needed a way home. When I dropped them off, their leader — who spoke Hebrew — thanked me, hugged me, and kissed me on both cheeks with a huge smile.

That moment reminded me how easy it is to dehumanize people. White Americans did that to Black people for nearly 250 years, until slavery ended in 1865. (And no, we shouldn’t stop talking about it — that’s how we ensure it never happens again.)

Living Under Fire

God made every human being in His image. Would you want to live with the trauma we face here in Ashkelon? Night after night, we hear distant explosions. We know our enemies are being struck — but often, so are innocent civilians. I can be cycling and suddenly hear a blast, or feel our apartment shake from the impact.

You can’t fully imagine it until you’ve lived it. Picture eating breakfast and seeing a mushroom cloud just two kilometers away. Add to that the haunting images from October 7 — the massacre that changed everything.

Recently, I found a notebook containing my notes from when I was among the few believing journalists allowed to view the Hamas footage. The moment I began reading, the trauma returned. I threw the notebook away. Some things are too dark to revisit.

Zionism and Biblical Compassion

While I am a Zionist, being one means embracing the values of the Hebrew Bible and New Covenant:

God called Abraham to bless all nations (Gen. 12:3).

• The nations will one day come to Jerusalem to worship the Messiah (Isa. 2:2–3; Zech. 14:16).

• The prophets foresaw not only Israel’s restoration, but also Egypt and Assyria joining as “a blessing in the midst of the earth” (Isa. 19:24–25).

• The New Testament reveals that Gentiles can find salvation in the Jewish Messiah (Acts 10, 15).

•Paul, who was more familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures than the other apostles, made it his mission to preach the Messiah where He was not yet known (Rom. 15:20).

We know true peace will only come when the Prince of Peace reigns from Jerusalem. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t seek peace now.

Hope for a Coalition Solution

In the days after October 7, I wrote that the only sustainable way to remove Hamas would be through a pan-Arab coalition to govern Gaza. I didn’t want to see Israeli soldiers bearing the full cost — and tragically, that cost continues daily to the horrors of the mothers of Israel. This plan calls for Arab involvement along with Europe and the US.

I support President Trump’s adoption of this concept. Having said that, I do not like the idea that the UN is involved at any level. It has been our experience that their involvement means collaboration with radical elements. At the same time, the urban warfare battles that would have unfolded over the next six months could be averted. Many young Israelis would likely have died in our efforts to take out Hamas. Urban warfare favors the locals and would put women and children in significant danger. I don’t doubt Israel would eventually win—the generals say it would take six months—but it would be costly.

Below the prayer requests, you’ll find the 20 points of Trump’s strategy to end the war in Gaza and bring home the hostages. The Jerusalem Post reports that Hamas has responded favorably to the proposal.

Key Elements of Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan

1. Immediate end to hostilities

If both sides agree, fighting stops right away.

2. Partial, staged Israeli withdrawal

Israel would pull back to an agreed line inside Gaza while preparing for hostage release.

3. Freeze frontline positions

Military operations (air, artillery, ground) halted; battle lines remain frozen until conditions permit full withdrawal.

4. Return of all hostages (alive and deceased) within 72 hours

Once Israel publicly accepts the agreement, all Israeli hostages (living and dead) are to be returned within 72 hours.

5. Prisoner exchanges and releases

• Israel would release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences

• Plus 1,700 detained since October 7, 2023

• For every Israeli victim’s remains returned, Israel releases the remains of 15 Palestinians.

6. Redevelopment / economic plan for Gaza

A Trump-led development plan involving expert panels, investment, infrastructure, etc.

7. Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

A zone in Gaza with favorable trade / tariff terms to promote growth.

8. Voluntary relocation / return allowed

No one would be forced to leave Gaza; those who wish to leave may do so — and have the option to return.

9. No Hamas in governance

Hamas (or affiliated factions) would have no direct or indirect role in governing Gaza.

10. Demilitarization / dismantling of military infrastructure

All military, terror, offensive infrastructures (tunnels, weapons, etc.) destroyed and not rebuilt.

11. Amnesty for disarmed Hamas members who commit to peace

Those who renounce violence may be eligible for amnesty; others may choose safe passage abroad.

12. Safe passage for exiles

For Hamas or militants who prefer exile, safe transit to third countries that accept them.

13. Interfaith / mindset change dialogues

Establish a process of interfaith dialogue to shift narratives, build tolerance, and change hostilities.

14. Gaza as a “deradicalized, terror-free zone”

The plan envisions that Gaza no longer pose threats to its neighbors.

15. Full humanitarian aid under UN / neutral oversight

Aid re-entry and distribution via UN, Red Crescent, NGOs; no interference from combatants.

16. Reopening / access of border crossings (e.g., Rafah)

Reopening key crossings to allow movement of goods and humanitarian flow.

17. Surveillance / monitoring / security force presence

Likely stabilization / peacekeeping force to oversee security in Gaza during transition.

18. Temporary technocratic Palestinian governing committee

Governance by non-political, technocratic Palestinian committee (not Hamas) during transition.

19. “Board of Peace” international oversight, chaired by Trump

An international body (including Trump, Blair, others) overseeing the transition.

20. Conditional pathway to Palestinian self-determination / statehood (in future)

Once development and reforms proceed, a credible path to Palestinian self-rule or statehood may be considered, contingent on reforms and mindset changes.