The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, has been a source of ongoing tension and violence in the Middle East for decades. The most recent escalation of hostilities in May 2021, which saw Hamas launch thousands of rockets into Israel and Israel respond with airstrikes on Gaza, has once again brought the conflict to the forefront of international attention.
For many evangelical Christians, the Israel-Hamas war is seen not just as a political or military conflict, but as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. These evangelicals believe that the state of Israel plays a central role in God's plan for the end times and that the ongoing conflict in the region is a sign that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent.
In this essay, we will explore the theological and historical roots of this belief, as well as its implications for evangelical support for Israel and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. We will also examine some of the criticisms and challenges to this perspective, and consider alternative viewpoints within the evangelical community.