Israel and Hamas are reported to have agreed a cease fire that is to begin Thursday morning and is hoped will last around six months. The announcement comes after weeks of negotiations between the two parties under the mediation of Egypt. Israel has agreed to ease the blockade of Gaza on Friday morning, and will reopen the crossings for all commercial goods the following week. Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and the European Union will then commence talks on the reopening of the Rafah border with Egypt. Negotiations on the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit are expected to resume within the coming days. The Syrian government has expressed its support for the truce between Israel and Hamas. Israel and Syria have just completed a second round of indirect talks through the mediation of Turkey, and are expected to enter a third round in July. Both sides are reported to be satisfied with the progress being made. On Sunday Israeli President Shimon Peres stated that if Syria was interested in peace, that they should move to direct talks. The leaders of the two nations are expected to attend the upcoming conference in Paris on July 13th, which aims to establish a Mediterranean Union comprising of the European Union and many Middle East states.

Quote: ""The Syrian president will be there, sitting next to, at the same table, as the Israeli (prime minister)," Kouchner told parliament. Israel and Syria on Monday wrapped up a second round of indirect talks in Turkey and agreed to hold more meetings in July. But Kouchner did not confirm reports that a meeting could be held in Paris between Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the sidelines of the July 13 summit. "We welcome the fact that the Syrians are talking to the Israelis. On that day, it will be possible for them to do that if they want to," he said.

Peace in the south, peace in the east, and now Israel is seeking peace on its northern front. Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev has proposed that Lebanon agree to hold "direct, bilateral" peace talks aimed at resolving "every issue of contention" between the two countries. But Lebanon has so far rejected these proposals. And then of course we have continued efforts by the international community to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state before the end of the year. I made the comment last week, before the war with Iran heats up - if the war with Iran fulfills Ezekiel's prophecy, Israel first needs to be at peace with her enemies. Ezekiel 38:11 describes the state of Israel at the time of this invasion as being a "land of unwalled villages", and its occupations being "at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates". Today Israel is seeking peace with her enemies. And in a few short weeks we are expecting to see the formation of a Mediterranean Union, bringing Israel and the surrounding nations ever closer to that pact of Daniel 9:27. Could this be the year? Could this year see the beginning of Daniel's 70th week? I don't know about that, but there is no doubt we are living in profound days. Jesus Christ's return is near. Are you ready to meet Him? Have your sins been forgiven?

Matthew 25:5-6
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

The Bridegroom cometh! "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light", Ephesians 5:14. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source BBC, YNet News, YNet News, YNet News