Pastor and author Mark Biltz explains why a two-state solution simply won’t work.
President Joe Biden seems hopeful that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is imminent. However, there are many – including those in those countries – that aren’t so sure.
When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire between the two, Biden simply noted that he hoped it would take place “by the beginning of the weekend. The end of the weekend. My national security adviser tells me that we’re close.”
That said, however, some people are wondering why Biden is so concerned about leading the charge on the cease-fire. And what’s more, some don’t see it taking effect as quickly as he hopes.
Ahmad Abdel-Hadi, a representative for Hamas based in Beirut, noted that Biden’s wishes were “premature” and did “not match the reality on the ground.”
What’s more, Israeli officials, who refused to identify themselves for the sake of anonymity, noted that Biden’s comments actually came as a surprise, and they made no coordination with any sort of leadership.
While there’s the possibility remaining that a cease-fire could take place with the right hostage negotiation, it likely won’t be a “quickie” deal for the sake of the timing of Ramadan.
Joining us now to discuss this further is Pastor Mark Biltz, an author and the founder and Senior Pastor of El Shaddai Ministries in Washington State. His experience should prove useful in this conversation. Welcome, Mark.
Q&A:
- You’ve noted that a two-state solution in this situation simply won’t work. Can you elaborate further on that?
- Why would Biden make such a comment without the backing of either side involved in the matter? Is he just trying to make himself look good for the 2024 election? Or is it something else?
- What factors do you believe have to be put in place in an effort to set up any kind of reasonable cease-fire between Israel and Hamas?
- You actually have some interesting facts surrounding Ramadan, and how fighting has generally been encouraged during this day. Can you elaborate further?
- Fighting took place over two Ramadans in the 1948 war between the Arab States and the new State of Israel.
- Fighting continued through nine Ramadans during the Yemeni civil war from 1962 to 1970.
- During Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990, fighting took place over the course of seventeen Ramadans. In 1986, Christian forces called for a Ramadan ceasefire, which lasted just two weeks.
- In 1973, the Egyptians and Syrians waged war on Israel in what is called harb Ramadan, or the Ramadan War.
- The Mujahedin fought against the Soviets in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989 through nine Ramadans. In April 1989, the Soviets offered a Ramadan ceasefire; this offer was rejected.
- Iran and Iraq battled from 1980 to 1988, spanning eight Ramadans. In fact, in 1981, Iran rejected a Ramadan ceasefire offered by Iraq. The third year of the war began with what the Iranians called the Ramadan Mubarak, or blessed Ramadan, campaign. In May 1987, Iraq again presented a Ramadan ceasefire proposal, only to be rejected.
- Where do you see the fight between Israel and Hamas going in the months ahead? Will the situation get better before it gets worse?
- You discuss something called the Tribulation quite often. Tell us more about it, and when you think it might take place.
- We understand we can see your sermons live online. Where can those interested go for further information?
- Simply visit http://www.esm.us.
About Pastor Mark Biltz…
Pastor Mark Biltz is the founder and Senior Pastor of El Shaddai Ministries in Washington State. He is a well-known and popular speaker on the Feasts of the Lord and has authored four best-selling books and videos on the Feasts that have gone global.
Mark Biltz has lectured at congregations and conferences all over the world including twelve countries on 5 continents. He’s been on the cover of several magazines and has been interviewed many times on national radio stations as well as appearing on several different television programs.
Pastor Biltz has a local congregation in Washington State and live-streams their weekly service on their website at www.esm.us as well as on face-book and you-tube to over 200 cities from 20 nations.
CONTACT:
For further details or to arrange the interview, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at geraldmcg@outlook.com, or 919-437-0001.
