In the early hours of the morning of the holiday of Simchat Torah (The Rejoicing of the Torah), armed terrorists belonging to the terror organization Hamas broke through the fence between Israel and Gaza and took over several regional centers and settlements. Their entry into Israel was covered by rocket fire from the terrorist enclave; air raid sirens sounded as far away as Jerusalem. The prime minister announced an official state of war around noon Saturday, as both active duty and reserve soldiers were called up during the holiday to reinforce those already on the borders.

The humanitarian situation – and the entire situation in general – is completely unprecedented. Current estimates place the number of dead at around 100 and the injured at over 1000. The IDF also confirmed that Hamas kidnapped an unknown number of Israelis. Israeli soldiers are currently fighting terrorists to regain control of the villages which were overrun earlier in the day.

Please pray for:

• the Lord’s intervention for an immediate cessation of Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel’s citizens and sovereignty!
• healing for the injured, peace and comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and divine protection over those on the border!
• the safe return of the captured Israelis.
• wisdom for Israel’s leaders in the field and behind the scenes.