A Pause in Hostilities: Key Details of the Ceasefire

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially began. This development comes after nearly two years of intense warfare, humanitarian crisis, and mounting international pressure for resolution.

The core elements of the agreement include:A 24-hour cessation of military activity, with further phases dependent on compliance;
 The release of Israeli hostages (both living and deceased) by Hamas within 72 hours;
A partial withdrawal of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to a designated line;
The release of a substantial number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel;Expanded humanitarian aid corridors and international oversight of aid delivery into Gaza.

The ceasefire is being hailed by some as the first genuine opportunity to de-escalate the enduring conflict in a sustainable way. Though still fragile and heavily contingent on mutual trust, it offers a rare glimpse of calm in a region long marked by volatility.

President Trump, instrumental in facilitating the agreement through diplomatic channels and regional partnerships, described the ceasefire as “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” Several media outlets have echoed this sentiment. Sky News asked boldly, “Has Trump made peace in the Middle East?” while The Telegraph ran the headline: “Trump Declares Peace in the Middle East” (October 9, 2025).
Global leaders have responded positively. According to Reuters, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated:
“For the first time in a long while, there is a real prospect of peace in the region.”
And Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked:
“After more than two years of conflict, hostages held, and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much-needed step towards peace... We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan.”

Peace and Prophecy: What Does the Bible Say?

As Bible students, our minds are drawn to the words of the prophet Ezekiel, particularly chapters 38 and 39, which describe a huge invasion of the land of Israel by a northern confederacy, led by “Gog, of the land of Magog.” This prophetic invasion culminates in God’s dramatic intervention - through the returned Lord Jesus Christ - who delivers the nation of Israel and brings judgment upon the invaders.
This prophecy belongs to the latter days. Ezekiel, writing around 600 BC, foretold a time when the Jewish people after being scattered among the nations - would return to their land. Remarkably, we have witnessed this ongoing return since the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948.
The prophecy describes Israel dwelling in apparent peace and security when the invasion occurs:
“And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.”
Ezekiel 38:11, 

The Hebrew word for “safely” (betach) conveys a sense of confidence, assurance, and security. Ezekiel’s picture is clear: the people of Israel will be living without visible defences - at rest - when a sudden and overwhelming invasion descends upon them.
This raises a pressing question: Could today’s ceasefire be a step toward the fulfilment of that prophetic picture?

A Careful Consideration of the Evidence

As we consider this remarkable development, we should recognise that it could indeed represent a positive step forward in the outworking of God’s prophetic purpose with Israel. The vision presented in Ezekiel 38 is one of a nation dwelling securely—“at rest” and “dwelling safely”—before an unexpected invasion from the north.

While the current ceasefire is not the full fulfilment of that picture, it could very well be one of many milestones moving the region in that direction.

Israel today is increasingly asserting its place among the nations - not only militarily, but also economically and diplomatically. Each period of calm, each agreement that reduces immediate threats, contributes to an atmosphere where Israel may begin to feel more secure. The phrase “dwelling safely” in Ezekiel does not necessarily imply absolute peace, but rather a sense of confidence - a national perception that threats are manageable or subdued. This ceasefire, along with the recent victories against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran could help foster that perception.

With increasing international involvement in peace efforts - including by influential powers such as the United States - there is a growing momentum toward regional normalization. As Arab nations, Western powers, and even traditional adversaries engage in diplomacy, the groundwork is being laid for the kind of environment described in Ezekiel’s prophecy.

It is vital to remember that prophecy is not fulfilled in a single moment, but often in stages and seasons. The return of the Jews to the land, the establishment of the modern State of Israel, the development of a strong military, and now diplomatic overtures -  are all micro  developments that align with the prophetic picture. And it is our honour and privelegede to witness them occurring in the news.

God is at work, moving the nations according to His will. As Acts 17:26 reminds us, “He hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” This ceasefire may be part of those divine arrangements - another piece placed on the great prophetic chessboard.


The Bigger Picture: Preparing the Stage for Gog
Even a temporary ceasefire may serve a prophetic purpose. It could help pave the way for broader regional stability, foster Israel’s growing diplomatic relationships, and embolden its economic expansion. All of these developments support the prophetic setting of “dwelling safely” described in Ezekiel 38.

Additionally, the involvement of international powers—particularly the United States- illustrates how the nations are increasingly entangled in the politics of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This, too, is in harmony with the words of Zechariah:

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces...”
— Zechariah 12:3

The nations are being drawn into the vortex of the Jerusalem question. When the final crisis erupts, it will not happen in isolation—it will come in a world already watching, already invested, and already divided over the future of Israel.

Conclusion: Watch, Pray, and Prepare
As Bible students, we are not surprised by these events in the Middle East. The prophets have long spoken of a time when Israel would stand at the center of world attention—and when God would sanctify His great name through the deliverance of His people and the judgments poured out on the invading host.
The present ceasefire seems therefore be one of many steps toward the peace prophesied in Ezekiel 38. It may indeed be the calm before the storm—the quiet before the great northern confederacy descends upon the land. Yet in that day, the Lord Jesus Christ will return, subdue Israel’s enemies, and establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
Only then will the world know true and lasting peace—under the reign of Him who is called “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Let us therefore watch and be sober, trimming our lamps and preparing for the return of our Lord.