Tag Archives: Syria

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Rockets Rain Down on Israel

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IDF airstrike inside Gaza (Times of Israel photo)

Since Sunday night’s IDF special ops raid into the Gaza Strip, activity has ramped up in and around Gaza.  A top Hamas commander and several other terrorists were killed as a result of that mission, though it came at a cost.  Israeli sources have now confirmed that an IDF special ops officer was killed in that mission into the Strip on Sunday night, and another soldier was wounded.

Since then, Hamas has rained down at least 300 rockets on Israeli cities (perhaps the largest one day total ever), and the IDF has targeted over 70 Hamas and Islamic Jihad sites (backed by Iran) in the Gaza Strip.  Air raid sirens have gone off almost continually in cities throughout southern Israel and the Gaza Envelope (areas surrounding the Gaza Strip).  You will find a timeline and several videos here.

Meanwhile, other interesting things relative to the region are happening elsewhere.  During an official state visit to Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.  It was the first meeting between Netanyahu and Putin since the Russian-made S-200 missile system (operated by Syrians, in Syria) shot down a Russian plane.  Israel was ultimately blamed for the incident.   Though no details of the meetings were reported, it is probable that Iranian influence in Syria and the region (including their backing of Hamas in Gaza) was a focal point in those conversations.

It is currently in the best interest of both Russia and Israel to cooperate at least to some degree militarily, in terms of not getting in each other’s way.  However, as we see events around the world, particularly in the Middle East, confirm Bible prophecy day-after-day, we know the stage is being set for end time events.  We see evidence suggesting the imminent destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17:1), setting of the stage for the War of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39), and the rise of the Antichrist out of Europe (Daniel 2, 7).

In fact, one cannot help but think the spirit of lawlessness, described in 2 Thessalonians 2, is already at work.  As I look at what’s happening in our world…and even America and evil things for which so many stand…I am reminded that our time is short.  What we see are signs of the tribulation,yet our rapture occurs before that terrible time of hell on earth.

As we see these things, we must be alert,  be about our Father’s business (as Jesus was in Luke 2:41-51), be watchmen on the wall (Ezekiel 33:1-6, Isaiah 62:6-7), sound the alarm (Joel 2:1, Jeremiah 4:5-6), and be ambassadors of Christ while still on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:20).

How are we doing?

PS: For a timely commentary on why Gaza is such a problem, check back later today.  Blessings!

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Watch the IDF Strike Back Following 30 Hamas Rocket Attacks Overnight into Saturday

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Israel strikes back after Hamas rocket attack from Gaza

Overnight Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched at least 30 rockets into southern Israel.  In retaliation, the IAF struck 80 military targets inside Gaza, including Hamas’ headquarters.  Prior to the airstrike on HQ, Israel warned residents to evacuate the 4-story building.  Also hit were advanced weapons production facilities, five military compounds used by Hamas and other terrorist organizations, Hamas outposts and at least one terror tunnel opening.

This Jerusalem Post article contains raw footage of the IAF attack on Hamas HQ.

The IDF said that the Hamas terror organization “bears the responsibility to all that is taking place in the Gaza Strip” and that the IDF is “determined to carry out its mission to protect the citizens of Israel.”
~Jerusalem Post, 10/27/2018

According to the IDF, it is believed the Hamas attacks were directed by Iran and Syria.

As always, please pray for those in southern Israel and around the Gaza border.  While Hamas is not a threat to Israel’s existence, the barrage of rockets brings tremendous stress upon those living in areas impacted by such terror.  Thankfully, Israel’s Iron Dome takes out most incoming rockets, but, as you can imagine, the sound of sirens is tremendously stressful when you know you have only seconds to find shelter in the event the Iron Dome is unable to destroy enemy rockets.

Please pray for safety of citizens, wisdom as the IDF deals with the situation, the innocent citizens in Gaza who face retaliatory strikes, and for the Spirit of the Lord to stir in both Israel and Gaza.

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Syrian Borders with Israel and Jordan Open Again After 4 Years

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Israeli and UN soldiers at the Quneitra border crossing between Israel and Syria

For the first time in 4 years, the border crossings between Syria and Israel (Quneitra crossing), and Syria and Jordan (Nasir crossing), are open.  Both are used primarily by UN peacekeeping forces.

Until earlier this year, that region of Syria was controlled by the Assad regime as he pushed rebels all the way to the border.  Russia intervened and is now patrolling the area.  The border openings, however, are being touted as “victories” by the Assad regime, and Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem claimed on Monday “We are now reaping the fruits of the beginnings of victory.”

Meanwhile, from a Biblical perspective, one has to wonder if opening the gates with Russian forces patrolling the border plays into the prophetic future Ezekiel 38-39 describes as the War of Gog and Magog…an invasion of Israel from the north, led by Russia.  Practically speaking, though open, the border will still be guarded.  However, the more permissive Israel and the UN are toward Russia’s presence on an open border, the easier it will be for the Russian leader to storm in from the north just as Scripture says he will!

Certainly, the Lord could change the circumstances and delay the onset of the northern invasion.  However, short of that, one more prop has appeared on the stage of end time events.

Look up, my friends!  Our redemption draws near!

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
~Luke 21:28

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Update from the Syrian Border: Russia is Now Controlling the Border with Israel

Hi friends!  Early this morning (Phoenix time), Amir Tsarfati shared a live update from the Syrian border and it was absolutely fascinating in light of Bible prophecy.  If you missed it, I highly encourage you to watch it.  As stated many times, the stage is being set for an invasion from the north (per Ezekiel 38-39), and it has never been more imminent than now!

Check it out!