Operation Protective Edge:  Over 56 IDF soldiers have given their lives defending Israel from Hamas since this operation began. Sadly, over 1,000 Gaza civilians have also died, many of who refused to leave areas of fighting after Israel warned of the impending operation or who were forced to act as human shields. The IDF has called up an additional 16,000 reservists, while current ground troops have gone further into the Gaza Strip in order to neutralize more terror tunnels as well as continue to uncover stockpiles of weapons, ammunition, rockets, and other such items, which are hidden in schools, mosques, and hospitals. One of the most shocking discoveries has been all the weapons hidden in UNRWA schools (three schools to date). 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 five 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. There have been numerous foiled terror attempts from the Judea & Samaria region, and many angry Palestinians have resorted to throwing rocks at Israeli cars in certain areas. 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.

Thank you for praying!

The Hope for Israel Prayer Team