Earlier today, President Barack Obama condemned Hamas for firing rockets into Israel, and he reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend herself.  Since July 1, Palestinians in Gaza have fired about 500 rockets into Israel, some of them reaching as far as Jerusalem and Haifa.  By the time you finish reading this post, another rocket will have been fired!  Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have taken responsibility for many of the rockets, but even more concerning is the fact that Fatah, the political party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has taken responsibility for rocket fire as well.

In response to the attacks, Israel has launched Operation Protective Edge, where terrorist targets such launching sites, ammunition depots, terrorist headquarters, and homes of Hamas leaders have been successfully hit.

As an American, I’m pleasantly surprised and thankful for our president’s condemnation of terrorist actions by Hamas, and his seeming support of Israel’s right to defend herself.  Let’s join in giving thanks and praise to our Lord for the wisdom granted to President Obama in this particular instance.  Likewise, let’s pray diligently that the US will faithfully stand with Israel throughout the ordeal.

Now, let’s change gears a bit.  I want to share some information about the conflict:

• While Hamas is indiscriminately firing rockets into cities and towns in Israel (putting thousands of civilians at risk), the IDF’s response is pin-point targeted airstrikes on specific terrorist targets.
• Hamas’ attacks are actually double war crimes: 1.) firing at civilians, and 2.) firing from schools, hospitals, and other civilian locations.  These are punishable offenses, though it is highly doubtful that Hamas will be held accountable for these war crimes.
• Israel routinely sends food and fuel to people in the Gaza Strip…and those shipments continue to be made, despite the fact that Israel is being fired upon by militants in Gaza.
• In an effort to avoid civilian casualties, Israeli officials are making hundreds of phone calls and dropping leaflets into areas of the Gaza Strip ahead of targeted airstrikes, warning civilians to flee the area before the strikes.
• At times, the Israeli military is firing missiles without explosive warheads on to rooftops to get civilians to leave before the explosive weapons are fired to take out the target.
• Some of the leaflets dropped into the Gaza Strip are simply warning that terrorist operatives are simply using civilians as cover.  Those leaflets provide a phone number and an email address to which citizens may report terrorist activity and/or location.

It is difficult to visualize a war where the enemy comes in beforehand and tells the population exactly where they will strike and when.  It is not the norm to provide food and fuel to potential enemies.  Yet, mark my words.  Despite all of the above, it is only a matter of time before the international community will be condemning Israel for their actions.

Signs of the times!  In the last days, we know that Israel will stand alone in the earthly perspective.  However, we also know that God established His covenant with Israel, and He will NEVER turn His back on her!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!  Psalm 122:5-6