The Gaza conflict began July 8 when Hamas launched rockets into dozens of Israeli cities. Since then, there have been 12 cease-fire agreements, 11 of them broken by Hamas and Islamic Jihad; terrorist organizations dedicated to the destruction of Israel. The twelfth cease-fire started on August 26, some 50 days later.
There’s something very spiritual going on in our world. In recent times nations, denominations and even individuals are being challenged to make a decision regarding Israel’s place as God’s chosen people. Shockingly, some prominent long-time supporters of Israel in the Evangelical ranks have now reversed their pro-Israel position?
The major thrust of the IDF, at this point, is the destruction of the terrorist tunnel system Hamas is using to infiltrate into Israel territory from Gaza. According to a recent Satellite image from the US, there are 60 of these tunnels. Israel has taken 36 so far, destroying 16 with more scheduled. IDF soldiers are going building to building in Gaza searching for entrances and have found many in private homes, mosques, schools and so on.
I’ve been in the US now for 6 days, I’ve watched the constant media presentations blaming Israel for just about everything happening in Gaza, including the death and destruction taking place there. There are pictures flooding the world of dead children and screaming parents followed by a finger pointing at Israel as the offender, the uncaring demonized infiltrator. Anyone watching is incensed by what they see and rightfully angered at the suffering of the innocent. But it must be reiterated again and again HAMAS IS TO BLAME not Israel!
In the past few days there have been numerous riots and protests across Europe. The hatred for Israel and Jews in general, spewing out in Berlin, Paris and other communities across Europe is alarming.
As we reported yesterday, 13 soldiers from the Golani brigade where killed. It was the highest one-day death toll since the 2006 second Lebanon War against Hezbollah.
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me” Psalm 42
Contrary to never-ending media reports, Israel’s actions are not that of an aggressor, especially towards the civilian population of Gaza. To the contrary it’s about defense.
The time has come. Israel has waited as long as possible, knowing that world opinion will be against them no matter what they do. There is no choice.
Today we are planning more trips down to Gaza with aid for other units.
I returned to Jerusalem late evening from the Gaza border. We took a lot of items from the Jerusalem Support Center to Israeli soldiers at the border and purchased many boxes of goodies in Ashkelon and Sderot to boost the morale of these young warriors who had been in the field many days in sweltering heat reaching into the mid 90s.