RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Last week, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire agreement, putting a pause to a two-year bloody conflict and resulting in the release of the hostages held in Gaza.
We spoke to a local fellowship leader about the next steps he wants to see in that region.
Chris Orr of the Messianic Fellowship congregation in Rapid City said it was great to hear the hostages were released and the conflict was coming to a pause.
He would like to see Hamas release the remaining deceased hostages, which they have not done yet.
As part of the cease agreement, the Islamic group is required to release the remains.
Orr said the big question now is, what’s going to happen if they breach the terms?
With Gaza left in rubble, Orr said it will take a multinational effort to rebuild the city, hearing estimates that it could take 10 to 12 years.
In addition, he would like to see the current administration dismantle Hamas.
“Their ambition is to wipe out Israel to wipe out the Jewish people,” said Orr. “There are plenty of Gazans, a lot of Gazans, maybe the majority of Gazans, that don’t want that to happen.”
Historically, there have been periods of peace between Israel and Palestine, yet Orr said the conflict keeps arising over and over again.
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