Operation Protective Edge – Week 3: Over 32 IDF soldiers have given their lives defending Israel from Hamas. Sadly, over 500 Gaza citizens have also died, many of whom refused to leave areas of fighting after Israel warned of the impending operation. The IDF’s ground operation has uncovered an entire network of underground tunnels that Hamas intended to use to enter Israel and kidnap & murder Israelis. To date, two separate incidents of Hamas terrorists entering Israel via tunnels have occurred. In both, the IDF acted quickly to thwart the intended attacks. They have also uncovered alarmingly large stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, rockets, and other such items, which were hidden in schools, mosques, and hospitals. This is a very real threat to Israel’s existence and we are asking for prayer for God’s continued protection from this enemy who seeks to destroy us. Please continue to pray for Israel in this difficult time! Please intercede for protection over our Land and all of Israel’s citizens. Please also pray for God’s wisdom for our leaders – government and military – as they are continually faced with difficult decisions regarding this situation. Please also pray for the families who have lost their loved ones and are grieving their loss. Lastly, please pray for our enemies, that they would come from darkness to the light of Yeshua and repent for raging against the LORD and His Anointed One (Psalm 2).
Rioting in Judea & Samaria: The unrest amongst the Arab residents of Judea & Samaria intensifies in reaction to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. For over four weeks (even before the operation in Gaza began), rioting amongst the Arab Palestinians has become more intense and violent; the IDF has arrested many Hamas operatives in the region in efforts to keep the situation from becoming out of hand. Please pray for the LORD’s spirit of peace to reign in the hearts of all in this volatile region – Jew and Arab alike. Please pray that the Gospel of peace will go forth with a firm voice and that many will know the peace that only He can give! Lastly, please pray for protection over our soldiers and the innocent civilians who often get caught in the cross-fire.
Hamas Rejects Cease Fire…Again: The true face of Hamas emerges more clearly than ever as they have now rejected two viable cease-fire agreements. Hamas has stated that they will not even consider coming to the table to discuss a cease-fire until the naval blockade is lifted and all border crossings are open without restrictions, amongst other absurd demands. Until then, they have vowed to continue to fire rockets into Israel and will also put more effort into kidnapping Israeli soldiers for leverage in getting their demands met. Please continue to pray for God’s protection over Israel, our soldiers, our civilians, and our land. Please also pray that God will frustrate the plans of the enemy to advance terror in Israel. Lastly, please pray that He will open the channels of communication for the IDF as they seek to dismantle the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, and that He would provide supernatural intelligence for our military.
Thank you for praying!
The Hope for Israel Prayer Team