Weekly Update: The conflict continues to rage
Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israeli civilians. Israel continues to dismantle the illegal Hamas military installations in Gaza, with a minimum of civilian losses. This conflict is far from over.
There is also ongoing unrest in many parts of Israel – tension and violence between Arabs and Jews, with victims on both sides.
Make no mistake. This is a humanitarian tragedy. Innocent women, men and children are dying.
But Israel is not the culprit. Responsibility for this tragedy lies solely with Hamas and its allies.
Sadly, many do not see this. “Free Palestine” is the main message on social media worldwide. Pictures of Palestinian children are juxtaposed with pictures of Israeli’s on the beaches of Tel Aviv. Israel is portrayed as an illegal and violent occupier.
To help you distinguish fact from fiction, we have produced a Video Explainer which explains what is happening, and why. View below 👇
It is essential to realize that Israel is fighting an ongoing, existential war against enemies who not only threaten, but willingly sacrifice their people to destroy the Jewish State. Hamas is an ideologically driven terror organization, committed to Israel’s annihilation. Hamas welcomes the opportunity to sacrifice Palestinians for this holy cause. Hamas is supported by the Ayatollahs and Revolutionary Guard in Iran, an extremist jihad regime equally dedicated to destroying the West.
These enemies of Israel know no reason. Their opposition is illogical.
But those millions of people around the world who support them, those who in pure ignorance re-tweet the lies and hatred, should know better.
The only explanation is anti-Semitism – the hatred of Jews.
Sadly, that hatred is latent in all of fallen mankind. Somehow, the presence of the Jews in the land, and their claim to a homeland as a people, ignites in Gentiles a kind of distaste and antipathy. Who are the Jews to think they can decide where they want to live?
At the end of the day, hatred of the Jewish people is hatred of the God of Israel. And hatred of His plan to bring the Jews home. The sad thing is, when we oppose that plan, we oppose the amazing blessings that their return brings to the nations.
May the Lord forgive us all. May He look with mercy upon the nations. May He deal with the hatred that we allow to fester in our hearts. May He comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihood. May He send His Savior soon, to redeem Jerusalem, and bring His Kingdom of peace and righteousness.
The Editorial team
Explainer: What is going on in Israel?
Israel continues to defend itself against Iran
Our correspondent Yochanan Visser reports from Israel: The real battle here is against Iran that has vowed to destroy the Jewish state and is trying to achieve this in different ways. It is done by providing assistance to its proxies in Israel and by stirring up unrest among Palestinian Arabs living in Judea and Samaria as well as among Israeli Arabs. In addition, Iran – via Hezbollah- has been caught trying to create new terror groups in Judea and Samaria as well in northern Israel.
> Read more..
Updates and Briefings
For excellent updates and briefings on what is happening, check out the Situation Room at StandWithUs: www.standwithus.com/situationroom
Under the burning skies
Elena Kovarsky reports from Israel: “I know you follow the situation in Israel and pray for all of us – we feel your support every minute! This morning our entire team committed itself to call the affected families, specially those in the South and more precisely in the Eshkol region.”
> Read more..
Christians for Israel’s Statement about the current situation in Israel
We deeply regret that innocent people on both sides are again suffering from rockets and violence, but also from misleading information about what’s really going on. As Christians for Israel International we stand with Israel and keep on supporting and praying for Israel and all its citizens and residents. We also pray for those who act as enemies of Israel, for the people of Gaza, and that the Palestinians will be freed from the influence of those who seek the destruction of the Jewish people.
> Read statement
Scripture for the week: Psalm 122
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up – the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.
