- We are thrilled to hear today’s announcement of the long-awaited ceasefire agreement. While this is an exciting and hopeful step, there is still a long journey ahead to achieve lasting peace in the Holy Land.
The ceasefire plan consists of three critical stages, and challenges may arise at any point along the way. The stages are as follows:
- Stage 1: A six-week ceasefire and the return of some hostages, beginning Sunday, January 19, 2025.
- Stage 2: Establishing a permanent ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
- Stage 3: The lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip and the rebuilding of Gaza.
Our Director, Lisa Tarzia, will travel to Israel on a reconnaissance trip in June 2025 to ensure all preparations are in place to welcome our clients. Selah Tours will resume once Stage 2—the permanent ceasefire—is securely established. We anticipate being able to run one or two tours in late 2025, with a fuller schedule in 2026.
Selah Tours to Israel and Palestine focus on exploring and experiencing biblical sites, with the aim of deepening and transforming Christian faith. It’s important to note that we will not travel to Gaza or areas near the Gaza Strip on our itineraries. Key locations such as Bethlehem and Nazareth in the West Bank will be carefully evaluated, and we will ensure these areas are secure before including them in our tours.
We are closely monitoring the situation and, most importantly, continuing to pray fervently for peace and for the spreading of the gospel—the good news of great joy.
Prayer Points
As followers of Jesus, we invite you to join us in prayer over the coming weeks and months:
- Pray for the immediate implementation of the ceasefire on Sunday, an end to violence, and the safe release of all hostages.
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37 - Pray for world leaders with influence in the region, that they would make wise decisions leading to lasting peace.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 - Pray that God’s peace would fill the hearts and minds of everyone suffering as a result of this conflict.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Thank you for standing with us in prayer during this significant time.
