“Know God who will rest the war till the end of the earth”
On the 11th (local time), the fifth day of the war sparked by Hamas’ surprise attack, Israeli forces launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about an escalation of the war. Amid speculations that the Israeli military is preparing to send ground troops to Gaza, Hamas’ rocket attacks targeting southern Israel are also continuing.
The humanitarian crisis is escalating in Gaza which has been completely blocked and the number of casualties has continued to increase, with the number of deaths on both sides exceeding 2,200 since the outbreak of the war on the 7th. According to Haaretz, a local daily newspaper, the Israeli military said it was conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon as a counterattack against the anti-tank attack.
In addition, alarms were raised in northern Israel due to attacks believed to have originated in either Lebanon or Syria, and shelling on Israel continued from Lebanon as well as from Syria the previous day, raising concerns about expansion.
Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces are preparing to send ground troops amid increasing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the stronghold of Hamas.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant said the previous evening that he launched an offensive air strike near the Gaza border which will be followed by a ground attack. “We are further strengthening the Gaza attack,” he said, adding that he ordered the soldiers not to hold back against the killers.
Israel has continued its airstrikes in Gaza, hitting more than 200 sites the night before, ignoring Hamas’ threat that it will kill one hostage at a time for each airstrike by Israel.
Israeli airstrikes that began on the night of the 7th destroyed 22,600 homes, 10 hospitals and 48 schools in Gaza, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said. As a result, Gaza is making desperate efforts to find survivors, who hadn’t yet evacuated, from the rubble of buildings, the broadcaster said.
Meanwhile, concerns over a humanitarian crisis are growing in Gaza due to the Israeli military’s total blockade and subsequent airstrikes. The U.N. Palestine Refugee Aid Agency (UNRWA) told Al Jazeera that food and drinking water for more than 180,000 refugees would run out after 12 days.
The total number of deaths on both sides is close to 2,300, and the total number of injuries exceeds 8,000. Meanwhile, the Israeli military authorities understand that Hamas is holding at least 150 hostages in Gaza, including 50 Israeli military personnel. (Source: Yonhap News Comprehensive)
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:9-11)
God, we desperately need Your help amid the growing concerns about the escalation of war that broke out between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas that has caused numerous deaths and injuries. May You give the leadership of each country a heart of fearing God, the ruler and judge of the earth, so that the bloody fights may be stopped, and they turn from the war. At a time like this, let the neighbouring countries’ evil plans to use war to pursue their interests be stopped and only the Lord’s will be done. May all those who take refuge in the LORD fight the spiritual war in prayer to have life and destroy evil power.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
