The forthcoming seven-year deal
In the continued negotiations with terrorist group Hamas, the proposal of a seven-year ceasefire has come up twice, once in April [1] and again in May [2]. The reality that the US and Israel are negotiating with terrorists is completely unjustifiable and ought to be a glaring indicator that something is fundamentally wrong. Interestingly, Daniel 9:27 reveals that a covenant would be made with many for seven years. The word “covenant” here is not commonly used today and so a proper contemporary translation would be a formalized “deal”. The word “many” here is an indefinite pronoun that could be applicable to nations, non-state actors, and the supposed people group known as the Palestinians.
Defining “Palestinian”
What is problematic is the meaning of the term “Palestinian”. Though Arab-speaking, those who identify as “Palestinians” are not necessarily Arabs; up until the mid-20th century, “Palestinian” was a reference to geographic association [3]. In connection here, Zechariah 9:6 refers to “a mongrel people”. The Hebrew word “mamzer” is used, meaning not only would they be a people of mixed origins, but also a spurious (pseudo) people group. However, Zechariah 9:7 says a remnant from them will be among the people of God; there is neither Jew nor gentile in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:38).
Hamas and Qatar
While Hamas has been provided funding, training, and weapons from Iran [4], Hamas apparently has not been in full cooperation with Iran. Perhaps the biggest difference is the Sunni-Shiite divide, as Hamas is Sunni and Iran is Shiite. This explains why Hamas gets so much solidarity from Sunni countries. For instance, Qatar has been using mediation as a platform for international prestige [5], especially among the Sunni countries. Here again, the fact that Qatar is involved as a mediator in the negotiations is unjustifiable. Qatar exploits the kafala system of migrant labor sponsorship [6], which essentially is comparable to slavery, even in modern times. This gives credibility to the literal interpretation of “free and slave” in Revelation 13:16.
Dealmaking Described
The book entitled The Art of the Deal outlines a number of strategies for high-stakes dealmaking. Therein, the use of leverage is regarded as an essential strategy. Application of this strategy is described as, to paraphrase, convincing the others that it is in their interest to commit to the deal. Similarly, with regards to real estate, is enhancing the psychological perception of respective location. Persistence and fighting back against confronting opponents are also listed as valued strategies. These strategies in particular, interestingly, are very relevant to current events and dynamics relating to Israel today.
No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace
With the seven-year proposal, it’s as if the narrative was taken straight from the Bible. Surely there must be a rationale for proposing seven for the number of years. Considering that Hamas has suffered heavy losses, what remains of Hamas leadership may estimate that it would take that long to rebuild and regroup. Obviously, Daniel 9:27 has not happened yet, but it is forthcoming, even as the prospect has already been actually considered. Furthermore, we know that the seven-year deal would be a superficial, pseudo peace. James 4:1 explains that wars and fighting come from the desires within the hearts of men. Only the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), can change hearts and bring real peace when He comes again.
References
[1] Khoury, J. 2025, April 22. Mediators Propose 7-year Gaza Ceasefire, IDF Withdrawal and Release of All Hostages from Hamas Captivity. Haaretz.
[2] Frieberg, N. 2025, May 31. Hamas changes to hostage deal proposal include demand for 7-year ceasefire, Israeli official says. The Times of Israel.
[3] From whom are the modern Palestinians descended? https://www.gotquestions.org/Palestinian-descent.html, accessed July 8, 2025. Got Questions Ministries.
[4] Zanotti, J. 2024. Hamas: Background, Current Status, and U.S. Policy, Document IF12549. Congressional Research Service.
[5] Guzansky, Y. 2025. The Qatari Challenge: Strategic Dilemmas and Policy Options for Israel, INSS Insight No. 1962. The Institute for National Security Studies.
[6] Blanchard, C. M. 2025. Qatar: Issues for the 119th Congress, Document R47467. Congressional Research Service.
Josh Bowditch is an aspirer of stewardship in the Biblical sense. This includes ascertaining the truth and writing concisely about topics of interest.
