Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Saturday night, indicating that the demolition of terrorist tunnels from the Gaza Strip into Israel is nearing completion, and that a partial withdraw of troops will begin immediately.  (And indeed they have.)  However, Hamas rocket fire into Israel continues and Netanyahu vows, “We won’t accept the continuation of rocket fire and we have different options that we will use to restore the calm, however long it takes. I prefer achieving the goal using the diplomatic option, but if there’s no choice, we’ll use all of the means at our disposal.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday morning Israel allowed over 200 trucks of medicine, medical equipment, and other humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Over the weekend, a Hamas delegation was in Egypt to negotiate a truce.  Islamic Jihad had representatives at the negotiating table as well.  Israel, however, chose not to send a negotiating team.  Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister stated on Sunday that, “Hamas has proven that it breaches any agreement reached right away, as happened five times in previous truces. It is therefore unclear at this stage what benefit Israel might see for participating in an attempt to reach agreements, based on the Egyptian initiative.”

On Sunday afternoon, Hamas’s demands for ceasefire were released:

1. Israel’s immediate IDF withdrawal from the Gaza Strip
2. Lifting of the blockade and opening of the border crossings
3. Extension of the fishing zone to 12 miles
4. Lifting of the civilian no-go zone near the Gaza border fence
5. The creation of airport and seaport
6. Rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip through international donors
7. Release of the 4th batch of prisoners from the failed talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority
8. Release of the prisoners set free in the Gilad Shalit deal and re-incarcerated during Operation Brother’s Keeper as well as the release of Palestinian legislators

It seems apparent, from Hamas’s continued aggression and their ceasefire demands, that their objectives remain intact: to destroy Israel and establish an Islamic caliphate.  Hamas continues to prove time-and-time again that they care not for their people but only for the evil ambitions perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood and rogue regimes such as Bashar al-Assad (current president of Syria).

Let’s be thankful that some support has been shown to Israel.  Just this past week, the US Congress approved $225 million for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.  Other nations have voiced support of Israel’s right to defend herself.  However, support of the Jewish state is tenuous, and is often swayed by international politics.  Those who bless Israel will be blessed, so please pray that our nation (and others) will stand strong on behalf of Israel.