Gaza Protests, Hungary Exits ICC, US-Iran Tensions Rise

The wave of protests against Hamas that has swept the Gaza Strip over the past two weeks is continuing.  Thousands of protesters have gone to the streets to demand the end of Hamas. Hamas and other groups have cracked down, and warned that the participants will be treated as collaborators with Israel. Last weekend, Hamas operatives kidnapped, tortured and executed a 22-year-old Palestinian man who participated in the protests.

One thing that is being made clear: like other Palestinian areas, the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip comprises dozens of powerful families who function as well-organized clans. Many do not have formal links to Hamas. They derive their power from controlling businesses and command the loyalty of hundreds or thousands of relatives. Each family has a leader, known as a mukhtar, or chieftain. Some of the larger clans in Gaza are believed to be well-armed, and have a long history of clashing over rival interests, as well as with Hamas.

“Thousands of protesters have gone to the streets to demand the end of Hamas.”

In a stunning announcement yesterday, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary would withdraw from the International Criminal Court. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for whom the ICC has issued arrest warrants. These arrest warrants are highly controversial, and several ICC member states (including France, Italy and Austria) have indicated they will not comply.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently gave the revolutionary regime in Iran a two-month ultimatum regarding its nuclear program. The U.S. has moved heavy stealth bombers into position to warn Tehran about the consequences of failing to reach a deal. Tehran has rejected the call for negotiations, and increased its threats to fire missiles in response.

Let us continue to pray this week for the Peace of Jerusalem, and the coming of the Prince of Peace. It is God alone who can establish true Shalom on earth and turn the hearts and minds of all nations and people towards His Kingdom.  

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