Everyone seems to be waiting for the other side to blink. Hamas and Israel are still just as far apart. No real hostage exchange on the horizon. And lots of diplomatic pressure being exerted everywhere.
The alternatives appear to be more war, more fighting, and more casualties. A military move to free hostages is just as likely to cause them being killed. Failure to reach agreement may mean a wider war in Lebanon, Israel cannot continue with most of the northern border town population evacuated for reasons of safety. Residents are already returning to some places in the south, but at a very slow rate.
So, what next? More bombs? One of my favorite quotes is “Bombs is no good. They puts everything into everywhere, and in little pieces.” When you decide to start a war you need to have a clear end objective. What that will be in Gaza if the IDF destroys Hamas and hostages are freed, isn’t really clear. If it’s just a new radical Islamic government with different faces, both sides may have to answer the question Was it worth it? I think it will be easier for Israel to say yes than for Hamas. The more interesting question is what effect it will have on other countries in the region. Will they support a new regime based on the same false premises that Hamas cited in its charter?
Wetherhorn 
I can’t imagine if this was happening here in the USA. I pray for the people of Israel often. One good thing I heard today was the UN decision to say Israeli women were raped and severely mistreated by Hamas. I’m not a fan of the UN and wish we were still not with them. I pray this will stop earlier than our election, but if we get this horrible socialist government out this year President Trump will help Israel. I’m praying for this on our end. Praying your family and friends are safe and it keeps moving forward in Israel’s favor. God be with you.
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