VFI News Hamas Agrees to Release One Alive and Four Dead Hostages; Israel Claims 25,200 Humanitarian Aid Trucks Entered During Ceasefire

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In an official statement, Hamas said that it has agreed to a proposal to release hostage soldier Edan Alexander, who is a US citizen, as well as the bodies of four other slain captives who are dual nationals.  

Alexander is a soldier who was stationed near the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7 when he was taken captive by Hamas. 

Hamas did not provide the names of the four slain dual nationals.  

The terror group says it “affirms its complete readiness to initiate negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on the issues of the second phase while calling for the occupation (Israel) to fully implement its obligations.” (TOI/VFI News)  

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for mediating the release of Edan Alexander and the bodies of the four dead hostages, and we pray that this will occur as soon as possible. Thank You for always listening to us and helping us persevere amid our troubles. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the slain hostages and we ask that You show them Your unfailing love, bring them comfort and peace. In Yeshua's name we pray, amen.”

The Hamas terrorist organization claimed on Monday, March 10, that Israel is violating the ceasefire agreement, as the IDF did not implement a gradual reduction in the scope of its forces along the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase and did not begin withdrawing from the corridor on the 42nd day after the start of the agreement’s implementation.

In a statement, Hamas claimed that Israel’s actions constitute a blatant violation of the agreement and an overt attempt to undermine and empty it of content.

According to Hamas, the continued violations of the agreement demonstrate the approach of the "occupation," which is to disregard agreements and evade its international commitments. 

Hamas demanded that the mediating countries exert pressure on Israel to comply with the terms of the agreement, withdraw the IDF from the Philadelphi Corridor, and immediately resume negotiations on the second phase of the agreement. 

The statement emphasized that commitment to the agreement and the completion of negotiations are the only way to secure the return of the hostages, and any delay means endangering their lives and harming their families. (INN/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we pray that You cause Hamas to return all the remaining hostages, and for the whole world to realize the terror it inflicts. We pray in Yeshua's Name for Your supernatural intervention that will ensure the release of all the hostages, as well as the safety of all civilians.”

The State of Israel on Wednesday evening, March 12,  submitted its response to a petition being heard in the Supreme Court concerning the continued provision of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing fighting and international pressure to reduce harm to the civilian population.

In the document it submitted, the State demanded that the Supreme Court dismiss the petition, arguing that this is a security matter not subject to judicial intervention. 

In its response, the State also revealed that during the 42 days of the ceasefire, as part of the hostage release deal, 25,200 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip. The State also noted in its response that it is not violating international law by halting the transfer of humanitarian aid. 

“The directive of the political echelon not to allow the entry of supplies into the Gaza Strip through the State of Israel at the current time is a directive based on clear political-security considerations,” it said. 

The State added that “the efforts taken in terms of increasing humanitarian aid far exceed the scope required by the rules of international law. Therefore, under the current circumstances, and certainly in light of the significant quantities of supplies and goods that have been brought into the Strip in recent weeks, far beyond what is required under international law, which Israel continues to uphold, there is no basis for judicial intervention in a decision rooted at the heart of Israel’s security-diplomatic policy.” (INN/VFI News)

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing so you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” - Romans 12:20

The IDF confirmed on Thursday, March 13, that the IAF conducted an intelligence-based strike on a terrorist command center belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organization in Damascus.

According to the IDF, the command center was used to plan and direct terrorist activities by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad against the State of Israel.

"The IDF will not allow terrorist organizations to entrench themselves in Syrian territory and operate against the State of Israel and will respond forcefully to any such entrenchment," the IDF stated.

"The IDF will continue to act against Palestinian terrorist organizations wherever necessary and will continue to operate to protect the citizens of the State of Israel," it added. According to reports, there are several casualties, but their identity and the number are currently unknown. 

Minister of Defense Israel Katz confirmed that Israel struck Damascus: "The anti-Israel Islamic terrorism will not be immune, not in Damascus, and not anywhere else. Anywhere terror activities are organized against Israel, the radical Islamic leader Jolani will find the Air Forces' planes flying over and attacking terror targets. We will not allow Syria to become a threat to the State of Israel." (INN/VFI News)

“When the army goes out against your enemies, then keep yourself from every wicked thing.” - Deuteronomy 23:9

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, March 11, declared that his country will not negotiate with the United States under pressure, delivering a blunt message to US President Donald Trump, according to British media, which cited Iranian state media.

"It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want," Pezeshkian stated.

The remarks come days after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed the idea of talks with the US, arguing that Washington’s goal is to impose limits on Iran’s missile capabilities and its influence in the region.

Khamenei’s comments followed an acknowledgment by Trump that he had sent a letter to Khamenei in an effort to secure a new deal to curb Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

In response to Khamenei, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes reiterated almost word for word the choice of negotiations or military action that Trump presented to Iran."We hope the Iran Regime puts its people and best interests ahead of terror," he said.

Although Trump has expressed willingness to negotiate a deal with Tehran, he has also reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign that characterized his first presidency, aiming to cripple Iran’s economy by driving its oil exports toward zero. (INN /VFI News)

“Lord, we pray that You would continue to protect the Middle East and the entire world from Iran’s nuclear capabilities. We ask that You supernaturally stop the production of nuclear weapons and bring down the oppressive regime in Iran. Please prevent a war from breaking out in the region and protect all innocent lives.”

Reserve commanders in the military are turning to social media to recruit soldiers, amid a continuing decline in the response rate of those called up to serve, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, March 12, while the government announced an expansion of benefits for reservists and their families.

The problem of recruiting reservists comes amid weariness after more than 15 months of war and mounting anger among those who serve that they are a small minority shouldering the burden, a feeling exacerbated by the ongoing debate over the ultra-Orthodox draft. 

Most Haredi males avoid military service, and the ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding legislation to enshrine their broad exemption, which the High Court has ruled is illegal.

“The shock of October 7 brought a crazy response,” one Israel Defense Forces commander, referred to using a pseudonym, told the newspaper in reference to the high rates of reservists showing up.

“In the second round [of call-ups], it went down to 90%, in the third to 70%. In the next one I don’t know if we’ll manage to get to 50% response.” “Every reservist has his reasons,” the commander explained. 

“One doesn’t want to come because of the issue of the hostages, another because his business is falling apart. There are students who aren’t ready to give up on more studies, and in the majority of the cases it’s problems at home. People just can’t disappear again for a long period of time.” (TOI/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we ask that You will provide the reserve soldiers that are needed desperately in the army. We know that many are burned out and are weary. Please renew their strength and give them the ambition to go back and fight the good fight. We also ask that You bless those who have already given so much of themselves, with good health, peace of mind, and financial stability against all odds.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar instructed Israel's Foreign Ministry to send humanitarian aid food packages to the Druze community in Syria.

In an operation conducted over the past few weeks, 10,000 packages of humanitarian aid were thus far delivered to the Druze community in the battle areas of Syria. 

The operation was conducted in coordination with the head of the Druze community Sheikh Muafik Tarif and with the cooperation of the Druze Religious Council, the IDF, and others in the region. The packages include basic food, including oil, salt, flour, sugar, rice, and more.

Most of the packages were delivered to "Jabal al-Druze" in As-Suwayda. Some were delivered to Druze communities near the border. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar stated: "We have a bold alliance with our Druze brothers. It is a privilege to help them. In a region in which we will always be a minority — it is both necessary and the right thing to do to assist other minorities." (INN/VFI News)

“Dear God we pray for our Druze brothers and sisters who live daily in fear of their lives. We pray in Yeshua's Name that you protect them from harm and help them leave their country and find permanent housing elsewhere if this is their wish and Your Will for their lives. We thank You for enabling us to be charitable and giving us Your resources so we can give back to Your other children who need them. We love You, we thank You and we praise Your Holy Name.”

A recent discovery has led some experts to believe they’ve found the fossil of Noah’s Ark. Researchers have found that a boat-shaped mound — long believed to be Noah’s Ark — was most likely submerged underwater during a devastating flood some 5,000 years ago, Israeli media reported.  

The international team of experts has been working together since 2021 to study the Durupinar Formation, which they believe could be the site of a massive preserved vessel. 

According to the Bible, the dimensions of the vessel were “a length of three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits,” mirroring those of the Durupinar formation, “and the ark rested … upon the mountains of Ararat.”

New findings have also shown that the formation was once submerged under water as soil samples containing traces of clay-like materials, marine deposits, and seafood remnants dated back to a time when the biblical floods are said to have occurred, between 3,500 and 5000 years ago. 

The marine deposits and seafood remnants have pushed researchers to believe the area was once filled with water.

Previous research concluded that humans had likely been in the area, but the additional evidence of past floods in the region has encouraged those who believe this to be Noah’s Ark. (NYP/VFI News) 

“Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat.” - Genesis 8:4

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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