On Thursday morning a surprise rockslide at the oasis national park of Ein Gedi killed a four-year-old boy and injured around 14 other people, including other children. Ein Gedi, located on the shores of the Dead Sea, is a popular destination for Israeli families in the summer, and its lush and accessible hiking trails and pools are generally very safe. There is still little known about the cause of the slide.

IDF rescue forces and MDA paramedics arrived quickly to provide first aid, while Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv hospitals prepared to receive the injured. Rescue attempts are ongoing, as at least ten people may remain trapped under the fallen rock. Officials also expressed concern that rescue forces may not as yet have reached all the victims. A number of witnesses of the slide received treatment for anxiety, while park rangers evacuated other hikers from the trails.

Please pray for healing for the injured and for the family of the little boy who was killed. Please pray for the safe rescue of those still trapped. Lastly, please pray for understanding of what caused the tragic rockslide and how to prevent further similar incidents at the park.