Yesterday morning, Israel launched a major offensive in Gaza against Hamas and its terrorist allies. Initial air strikes targeted Hamas training camps, police stations, and weapons storehouses, as well as the elaborate system of tunnels terrorists use to smuggle weapons. IDF artillery is positioned on the Gaza border, and reservists have been called up, suggesting that a ground assault may not be far behind.
Reaction in the Arab and Muslim world has been predictably harsh. (Although, as some have pointed out, there are those in the Arab world -- most notably Egypt and the Palestinian Authority -- that would like nothing more than to see Hamas forced out of the picture). Israel's traditional allies, on the other hand, have stood by her. Expect to see more of the same in the days and weeks to come.
Through it all, don't forget the bottom line: Israel has acted to protect her people from the incessant hail of terrorist rockets and mortars eminating from Gaza. Pray that this operation will be successful, and will end swiftly with a minimum amount of bloodshed. And say a prayer for protection for those Israeli soldiers who are, even now, putting their lives on the line for their country.
I don't see how killing inocent men, women and children will solve this religious conflict. We all have brains and can speak the truth without wars if we'd only use them. You will never accomplish peace through wars and killing. I was in world war II and remember we vowed no more wars, yet we've been in 19 wars since and none of them have accomplished a thing. It's time we stop this slaughtering of innocent humanbeings to get our way?
Posted by: John | January 06, 2009 at 09:34 AM
I pray daily for Israel and her ability to protect herself.
Posted by: Jo Schrock | December 29, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Praying for and standing with Israel... also praying for those innocents on both sides, who are caught in the middle of this conflict.
Baruch atem b'Shem, Yeshua
Posted by: Mid Stutsman | December 28, 2008 at 10:49 PM