Tag Archives: Palestinians

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What is a Palestinian Rocket Attack Like?

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Iron Dome launches an interceptor missile. (photo credit: REUTERS)

Red AlertsOver 150 Palestinian rockets have been launched toward southern Israel over the past couple days.  Some were shot down by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, but thankfully, most fell in open territory.

Fortunately, I am not aware of any Israeli casualties, though there have been casualties in Gaza as a result of IDF strikes on multiple military targets.  It is believed the son of a senior Hamas commander was killed in one of the airstrikes.

You can follow live updates of the events in Gaza here.

On Wednesday, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum tweeted: “We are delivering on our promise. The resistance accepted the responsibility to even the playing field with the enemy and it is succeeding in doing so.”  

Two things to know about the activity near the Gaza border.  First, neither Hamas nor the Palestinians in Gaza pose much of a national threat to Israel.  The IDF is far better equipped and capable than the Hamas military wing, and, if desired, Israel could wipe out the Gaza Strip in minutes.  Hamas is confident Israel will not do that, thus they take advantage of opportunities to terrorize Israel.

Secondly, though Israel is not threatened nationally, the terror endured by Israelis near the Gaza Strip is very real.  Most of us cannot imagine being under threat of rockets, fire kites, incendiary balloons, terror tunnels and just sheer terrorism from those who vow to wipe them out.  Here is live footage posted by the IDF:

 

This scenario plays out in various forms in dozens of cities near the Gaza Strip.  It is our responsibility to pray for those in need.  Why not take a moment right now to pray for those living in targeted areas.  Pray, also, for the Lord to thwart the plans of Hamas and others who devise evil plans, intent on destroying the Jewish people.

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A Look Inside a Hamas Terror Tunnel

Image result for idf cost of terror tunnelOften built of Israeli-donated concrete meant for homes, mosques, hospitals and other infrastructure, Hamas terror tunnels are often quite elaborate, costing millions of dollars.

Despite the terror perpetrated by Hamas, Israel has continued to provide building materials (including cement) to the Gaza Strip in efforts to boost the quality of life for Palestinians.

Unfortunately, leadership in Gaza will not allow its citizens the quality of life they dream of.

Notice the chart above.  For every tunnel constructed, Gaza loses out on 86 homes, 7 mosques, 6 schools or 19 medical clinics.  At $3 million apiece, the 30+ tunnels found by the IDF have cost the Gazan people over $90 million.

Let’s take a quick adventure into one of the recently found terror tunnels:

Friends, are we faithfully praying for innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip?  I hope so.  While the terrorists are out to steal, kill and destroy, many Palestinians simply want to enjoy a better life than what they have under the tyranny and terrorism of Hamas.

Please pray for the Palestinian people…and for the IDF as they have their hands full these days on two different fronts.

Blessings, my friends!

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BREAKING: Israeli Soldier Killed by Hamas at Gaza Border, IDF Retaliates

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IDF strikes deep into Gaza. (AFP PHOTO / BASHAR TALEB)

Praying friends, will you join me this evening in praying for Israel’s military leadership and soldiers, as well as the Palestinian people?

At about 6:00pm tonight (Israel time), conflict occurred at the Israel-Gaza border.  An Israeli soldier was killed by a Hamas sniper, after which the IDF launched attacks on about 60 targets in Gaza before an Egyptian-negotiated ceasefire ended (at least for now) the action between Hamas and Israel.

The Jerusalem Post has published a timeline of events here.

Military experts are suggesting that Hamas is gradually drawing Israel into a more sustained military operation in the Gaza Strip.  Though Hamas undoubtedly knows they cannot win a confrontation with Israel, they continue to show very little regard for the people of Gaza.  They think nothing of using them as human shields, or of putting them in extreme danger.  In fact, the more casualties that occur, the bigger “splash” it will make in the media and the more they can accuse Israel for being the aggressor.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu and top Israeli military leaders have consistently said they will defend Israel’s borders and protect her citizens.

Let’s make this an evening of prayer for wisdom of leaders, safety of soldiers, peace for citizens, and a move of the Holy Spirit upon the hearts and minds of both Jews and Palestinians.  Thanks for praying!

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Hamas to Stop Kite and Balloon Attacks…but will it Last?

Hamas has agreed to cease incendiary kite and balloon attacks…but will it last?  Time will tell.

It is estimated that 7,400 acres have burned, and the damage to Israeli fields and crops has topped $1.4 million.  Here is a look at some of the damage:

Hamas has consistently instructed Palestinians in Gaza to launch fire kites and balloons into Israel, which they have been doing for almost 4 months now.  However, pressure from Egypt and the closing of the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza seem to have brought about a willingness (at least for a time) for Hamas to cease its arson activity.

Routinely, shipments of fuel cross from Israel into Gaza for humanitarian purposes.  However, Israel has chosen to shut off those supplies, while continuing to provide food and medical supplies.  (Who else sends aid to an enemy in the midst of constant attacks?)

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu recently visited Sderot in southern Israel, exactly 4 years after IDF soldier Hadar Goldin’s death.  The remains of Goldin and another Israeli casualty have been held by Hamas since their deaths in 2014’s Operation Protective Shield.

During his visit, Netanyahu stated:

“We are in a campaign that entails an exchange of blows and I can tell you that the IDF is ready for any scenario. I was very impressed by what I saw here and I know that like me, every Israeli citizen believes in the IDF and gives it their backing ahead of any possible development.”

Pray for Netanyahu and the Israeli administration as they continue to deal with very difficult circumstances.  May the hand of God continue to protect their soldiers and their people, and may the land produce many-fold more following the recovery of ground that has been burned in the arson attacks.

Pray on, my friends!