In addition to over 250 overnight Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, it became clear on Thursday morning that Israeli forces, including infantry and tanks, entered the Gaza Strip for several hours overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. There are no Israeli forces in Gaza long-term at this time, although it appears that this operation is preparatory to a larger ground campaign in the northern Gaza Strip.

Hamas also continues to fire rockets at Israel’s civilian population. Thursday, heavy rocket barrages hit central and southern Israel and one rocket hit a building directly, although there were no casualties.

On the northern front, the IDF continues to respond to Hizballah’s anti-tank missile attacks on Israeli outposts and villages by striking terrorist targets in southern Lebanon. In Judea and Samaria, security forces have arrested 930 wanted terrorists since October 7th, around two thirds of whom are directly connected to Hamas.

Israel is facing numerous challenges on the home front as well, including lowered economic ratings internationally; 125,000 internally displaced people, many of whom are traumatized by Hamas’ brutal attack; and hundreds of thousands more civilians who remain in the line of fire. Meanwhile, international anti-Semitism continues to grow.

Please continue to pray for protection over Israeli soldiers and civilians. Please pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders. Lastly, please pray for people to awaken to the truth about Israel and for continued international support.