Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (a smaller terror organization in Gaza which also took hostages) have released two videos in the last two days collectively showing five male hostages still held in Gaza. Four of the five men are elderly, and the video represents a part of Hamas’ ongoing campaign of psychological terror against Israelis.

The IDF released footage yesterday of the director of a northern Gaza hospital confessing to being “recruited” by Hamas several years ago along with around 15 other hospital employees and even said that a soldier who was taken hostage on October 7th was briefly held in his facility. The hospital was used by Hamas for terrorist purposes.

Meanwhile the United States has launched an international defense coalition – “Operation Prosperity Guardian” – in the Red Sea area to protect international shipping and deter persistent missile attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthi group.

Air raid sirens have sounded numerous times in the last day in northern Israel. A ground-to-air missile was also fired towards an Israeli aircraft today from Lebanon, but did not hit its target.

An attempted ramming terror attack occurred this morning near the Judean town of Kiryat Arba. Thankfully, no one was injured and the terrorist was neutralized.

South Africa – which is home to a significant Jewish community, many of whom also hold Israeli citizenship – issued a warning this week against serving in the IDF. South Africa has historically opposed Israel in many situations.

Please pray for the release of all the hostages remaining in Gaza. Please pray for international recognition of Hamas’ usage of hospitals for terrorist purposes. Lastly. please pray for successful deterrence against the Houthis in the Red Sea.