Monday, March 25, 2024, 4:16 p.m. EST:

The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution today demanding a ceasefire in Gaza for the remainder of Ramadan.

According to JNS:

The resolution “demands an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting ceasefire and also demands the immediate and conditional release of all hostages.”

It also demands compliance with international law in the treatment of detainees and emphasizes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and demands that barriers preventing that be lifted.

The United States abstained, leading to a final vote of 14-0. It is important to remember that, as one of the council’s permanent members, the U.S. could have vetoed the resolution. After learning of their failure to veto, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled a high-level delegation to Washington.

Hamas has declared its approval of the vote.

Monday, March 18, 2024, 4:48 p.m. EST:

Israel has killed an important Hamas official. According to The Jerusalem Post:

During the IDF and the Shin Bet’s reinvasion of Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza on Monday, they killed Hamas’s Interior Ministry Operations Chief Faack Mabhough.

Mabhough was reportedly in charge of Hamas’ internal security forces. He was killed by the IDF while resisting arrest.

While the Lord does not delight in death, He does delight in the safety and prosperity of His people. We thank God for all he is doing through the IDF to protect Israel from Hamas!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 1:50 p.m. EST:

Ramadan started this weekend, and it will run until April 9th. One of our writers has provided this information and three prayer points for the Muslim holy month:

Ramadan is a Muslim holy month observed with daily fasting – food and water – from sunup to sundown. Historically, this month has been marked with increased terrorism and violence against Israel in particular. In addition, this year, the leaders of the Muslim world have called for increased jihad in Israel, calling for October 7th like incursions. It is a God-given opportunity to pray for salvations in the Muslim world. Even as this time of fasting stirs up unholy spiritual entities, Holy Spirit is at work calling the lost to repentance!

1. Pray that even as the Muslim people are literally hungry and thirsty, that Holy Spirit would stir up hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt.6:33). God’s desire is that NONE would perish but all but all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)
2. Pray that the voices inciting violence will be silenced like the lions in Daniel’s den. Ps. 68:1-3 and 28-35 cries out to God to arise and scatter his enemy causing those who hate him to flee from his presence, scattering the peoples who take pleasure in war and violence, and yet calling for his people to rejoice and delight in him even in the midst of the struggle.
3. Pray for the IDF and for all of those involved in fighting and making decisions regarding the war during Ramadan. Is.28:6 says, “God will be a Spirit of justice for whoever sits as judge, and a source of strength for those repelling the enemies at the gate.”

Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 4:41 p.m. EST:

The IDF death toll for the ground offensive against Hamas has risen to 247, according to a recent report.

The Times of Israel reported earlier today that 247 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive in Gaza. This report came shortly after the news that Staff Sgt. David Sasson, only 21 years old, was killed in southern Gaza.

Meanwhile, 12 other soldiers in Sasson’s unit were injured. Of these 12, 5 were injured seriously.

These injuries and deaths remind us that the IDF desperately needs our prayers. Let’s continue to pray that they are blessed and protected by the Lord as they fight against terror.

Friday, March 1, 2024, 4:16 p.m. EST:

Over 100 people were killed in Gaza City recently, according to The Hill.

Citizens of Gaza City were killed on Thursday near an aid convoy. While both Israeli and Gazan officials acknowledge the deaths, they offer different stories on what happened.

From The Hill:

The two sides offered different stories on what happened Thursday, with Palestinians and Gazan officials contending that Israeli troops opened fire on people seeking humanitarian aid. Israel said many were injured or killed as a result of a chaotic rush on the convoy, and that troops only fired on people who approached troops in a threatening way.

“As these vital humanitarian supplies were making their way toward Gazans in need, thousands of Gazans descended on the trucks,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson. “Some began violently pushing and even trampling other Gazans to death, looting the humanitarian supplies.”

Many in congress have used this tragic event to increase calls for a ceasefire.

Monday, February 26, 2024, 10:02 a.m. EST:

America is still scrambling to negotiate a ceasefire deal, with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying that such a deal is close. Netanyahu, meanwhile, remains unfazed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recent interview that he is unsure of whether the hostage deal will actually materialize. He said that a ceasefire would first require Hamas to drop its “delusional claims,” a prospect that seems unlikely.

Netanyahu also separately expressed optimism surrounding the potential invasion into Rafah. He said in the interview that, once the IDF invades Rafah, “the fighting is weeks away from completion, not months, weeks away from completion.”

Israel has promised to invade Rafah if Hamas’ hostages are not released by the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which begins on March 10.

Friday, February 23, 2024, 9:05 a.m. EST:

Israel may reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to CNN.

Israel’s war cabinet has reportedly send a negotiating team to Paris today to discuss a hostage release deal. The negotiating team has been empowered to engage in “substantive negotiations.”

This comes as Israel has remained firm in its plans to invade Rafah is the hostages are not released by the start of Ramadan. The nation has faced international pressure to call of the invasion, but Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has refused to back down.

Should a Israel reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas, it would be the first time since November that Gaza has seen a break in combat.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 8:20 a.m. EST:

Israel may invade Rafah soon, according to NBC News.

According to Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war Cabinet, Israel is demanding the release of all hostages by the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which starts on March 10. Should Hamas not release the hostages by then, the IDF will invade Rafah, a city in the southern region of the Gaza strip.

“They can surrender, release the abductees, and so the residents of Gaza can celebrate Ramadan,” Gantz said recently at a conference in Jerusalem.

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, 11:49 a.m. EST:

Many have accused Israel of stopping aid from reaching Gaza. However, this could not be farther from the truth.

Israeli Government Spokesman Eylon Levy dashed these false claims yesterday, detailing just how much aid has been brought into Gaza since the war started.

“By all possible accounts,” he said, “Israel is exceeding its obligations to facilitate the delivery of aid into the Gaza strip. International donors who want to see more aid enter Gaza should simply send more. We’re ready to facilitate it.”

You can watch Levy’s statement below:

Monday, Feb 12, 2024, 1:44 p.m. EST:

The IDF rescued two hostages from Hamas captivity.

National Review confirmed that IDF soldiers snuck into an apartment, killing three terrorists and rescuing Fernando Marman, 61, and Louis Har, 70.

The two hostages were found to be in good condition. They were transported to the Sheba Tel Hashomer hospital for further inspection.

Praise God for this!

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, 2:10 p.m. EST:

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu released a powerful statement last night, claiming that Israel seeks a peace that can only exist after total victory over Hamas.

You can watch this statement below:

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, 3:21 p.m. EST:

Dozens of hostages taken by Hamas have been confirmed to be dead, according to the IDF.

IDF Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed recently that, of the hostages taken on October 7, 29 have been killed by Hamas. The statuses of the remaining hostages are unknown.

This news comes as Hamas has refused any future hostage release deals, stating that it will only release its captives in exchange for a permanent ceasefire.

According to The Times of Israel:

Palestinian terror group Hamas has given its answer to the hostage release framework worked out in Paris last weekend, and is still demanding a permanent end to the war, the end of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, the reconstruction of the enclave, and the release of Palestinian security prisoners.

These terms have been non-starters for Israel, which is seeking shorter pauses in fighting for a phased hostage release.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, 5:02 p.m. EST:

Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz and observer Gadi Eisenkot have suggested limiting the entry of aid into Gaza, citing reports that the aid is being stolen by Hamas.

The two cited a recent report from Shin Bet that states that up to 60 percent of the aid trucks entering Gaza are being hijacked by Hamas.

Gantz and Eisenkot believe that aid should be limited to prevent Hamas from stealing it, but also to put more pressure on the terrorist group to release the hostages.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, 5:19 p.m. EST:

Some Israelis are protesting Gazan aid, gathering at border crossings to obstruct convoys.

Several protesters have sought to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, arguing that there is no guarantee that the aid will not be stolen by Hamas fighters. According to Breitbart:

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas have attempted to block humanitarian aid entering Gaza over the past week, gathering at border crossings to protest and to obstruct truck convoys of supplies being sent through Israel. …

They argue that Palestinians, and Hamas, should not receive food, fuel, water, and medicine if there is no guarantee that hostages are also receiving aid. Hamas is already thought to have broken an agreement to bring medications to hostages that require them.

The Times of Israel reports that the protesters were somewhat successful, writing that they “had largely blocked humanitarian aid from passing through.” According to the Times, Prime Minister Netanyahu has criticized these protests, which some other members of the government have expressed support for.

What do you think of this strategy? Are these protests justified? Share your thoughts in the comments, and continue to pray for the release of the hostages.

Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 9:47 a.m. EST:

The International Court of Justice ruled against Israel this morning, refusing to throw out South Africa’s accusations of genocide.

The ICJ issued a series of provisional measures against Israel, instructing the nation to “take all measures within its power” to prevent genocidal acts against Palestinians. The court did not, however, demand a ceasefire in Gaza as South Africa had originally requested.

According to The Times of Israel,

It says Israel must prevent the killing or injuring of Gaza’s Palestinians, must prevent conditions calculated to wholly or partly destroy Gaza’s populace, and must prevent conditions intended to prevent births among Gazans.

…

The court also orders Israel to take steps to prevent and punish incitement to genocide against the Palestinians, and take measures to provide “urgently needed assistance to address the adverse conditions of life in Gaza.”

This decision was supported by a 15-2 majority, including Joan Donoghue, the president of the ICJ.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 4:34 p.m. EST:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) plans to rule on whether Israel is guilty of genocide this Friday, according to The Times of Israel.

We have previously covered these accusations, brought before the court by South Africa. The ICJ revealed in a press release that the court will hand down its ruling on January 26 at 7 a.m. EST.

When we last covered these accusations, we included four prayer points for Israel provided by one of our writers. Now, as Israel prepares for the ICJ’s ruling, we have provided these same prayer points. They are just as timely, if not more so, now as they were then.

Pray the following over God’s chosen nation:

1. Pray Psalm 33:10-12, Isaiah 54:15-17, and Psalm 2:10-12.
2. Declare that God will bring the plans of the nations to nothing, that He will foil the plans of His peoples, but His counseling plans will stand forever, to every generation!
3. We declare to the Kings and judges of the earth to be wise, to be warned, and to serve God with fear and rejoice with trembling. We urge them to reconcile with God – kiss the Son – lest He be angry, and you perish along the way.
4. We thank You that any Alliance that is formed against Israel will fall and no weapon that is made against Israel will prosper. We thank You that Isaiah 54 says that in the court you own Israel will refute every accusation!

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, 2:55 p.m. EST:

Several IDF soldiers were killed yesterday in Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby shares the news in a press briefing, announcing to the American people that 21 IDF soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday.

The U.S. offered its support to the families of those who were killed. “That’s an enormous amount of troops lost in one day,” Kirby said, “and certainly our condolences go out to all the families and their teammates as well.”

Let’s continue to pray for protection for each and every Israeli soldier as they fight against a deadly evil.

Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, 3:26 p.m. EST:

The White House’s support for Israel’s war effort may be coming to an end.

Since the beginning of the war, the Biden administration has pushed for a Palestinian state at every opportunity. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected this proposal. Now, however, the Biden administration is reportedly circumventing the prime minister to accomplish its goal.

According to NBC:

Netanyahu rejected the offer, officials said, telling Blinken that he’s not prepared to make a deal that allows for a Palestinian state. And now three senior U.S. officials say the Biden administration is looking past Netanyahu to try to achieve its goals in the region. Several senior U.S. officials told NBC News that Netanyahu “will not be there forever.”

…

The officials said the Biden administration is trying to lay the groundwork with other Israeli and civil society leaders in anticipation of an eventual post-Netanyahu government. In an attempt to work around Netanyahu, Blinken also met individually with members of his war Cabinet and other Israeli leaders, including opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, officials said.

How will this decision affect our relationship with Israel? Is America’s support for Israel drying up? Help Your people in their time of need, God!

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, 5:05 p.m. EST:

Israel is reportedly preparing for an offensive against Lebanon, according to CBN.

Throughout this war, Israel has had to not only deal with Hamas in Gaza, but also Hezbollah to the north. CBN says that the Lebanese terror group has attacked Israel “almost daily.” Now, Israel’s military leaders are saying that the IDF must be prepared to cross the northern border.

“We’re more prepared for this than ever before, even for tonight, if needed, and we’ll continue and strengthen our preparations and our readiness moving forward,” said Major General Ori Gordin, commanding officer of the IDF’s northern command.

What will come of this? Will Israel be forced to wage war on two fronts? Let’s continue to support this nation with prayer.

Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, 1:40 p.m. EST:

Let’s Storm the Gates of Hell for Baby Kfir and Ariel Bibas! One month ago, Hamas issued a statement that the two youngest hostages had been killed by Israeli bombs. This is widely considered to be false. Today, in prayer, one of IFA’s writers sensed the Lord tell her to “Get the warriors on the wall for him and don’t relent” in prayer for baby Kfir and his young sibling, Ariel.

During a time of intercession for the youngest Israeli girls still being held and tortured by Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, the PLO and every complicit settler in Gaza and pro-Palestine American, GOD directed my attention to 1-year Kfir Bibas saying, “They want to indoctrinate, raise him as a Jewish jihadist to send him back to destroy his own people.”  Needing confirmation, the LORD reminded me of Soros’ tragic teenage years and gave me a spiritual picture of what is planned for Kfir, saying “It’s like that of the Nazis, to produce Soros.”  Then the LORD said, “Write for him. They think it, him, sport. They revel in his pain, (and) confusion.  Write for him. Get the warriors on the wall for him and don’t relent. The violent take it, took him, by force. Be more violent in My Spirit.  The Enemy plays the long game. My people must break the backs of the Enemy.”

Post prayers for Kfir and Ariel at the IFA Community. Click Here.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, 11:18 a.m. EST:

Today, Israel faced accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

South Africa brought the case before the UN’s highest court, accusing the nation of Israel of violating the 1948 geocide convention with their treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Reuters:

“Israel has a genocidal intent against the Palestinians in Gaza,” Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, advocate of the High Court of South Africa, told the court in the Hague. “The intent to destroy Gaza has been nurtured at the highest level of state.”

South Africa asked the court for a preliminary order to demand Israel stop fighting now, while the court hears the full merits of the case in coming months.

Israel responded to these accusations of genocide by accusing South Africa of “functioning as the legal arm of the Hamas terrorist organization.”

Several western countries (including the United States) have called these accusations of genocide unjustified, while some developing nations have sided with South Africa.

Israel will be given three hours tomorrow morning to respond to and refute these accusations of genocide. While the ICJ is unable to enforce and judgements, a ruling against Israel would likely have dramatic effects on how other nations view God’s people.

To that end, one of our writers has provided three prayer points for Israel for this critical time:

1. Pray Psalm 33:10-12, Isaiah 54:15-17, and Psalm 2:10-12.
2. Declare that God will bring the plans of the nations to nothing, that He will foil the plans of His peoples, but His counseling plans will stand forever, to every generation!
3. We declare to the Kings and judges of the earth to be wise, to be warned, and to serve God with fear and rejoice with trembling. We urge them to reconcile with God – kiss the Son – lest He be angry, and you perish along the way.
4. We thank You that any Alliance that is formed against Israel will fall and no weapon that is made against Israel will prosper. We thank You that Isaiah 54 says that in the court you own Israel will refute every accusation!

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, 5:10 p.m. EST:

Israel is reportedly scaling down its offensive, according to an IDF spokesman.

From The Telegraph:

The next step will involve fewer airstrikes and troops, and operations would now focus on central and southern Gaza, an IDF spokesman said.

Rear-Adml Daniel Hagari said: “The war shifted a stage.”

“But the transition will be with no ceremony…it’s not about dramatic announcements.”

This change comes as the world is placing increased pressure on Israel over its operations in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, for example, said on Sunday that displaced Palestinians must be allowed to “return home.”

Is Israel scaling back its offensive to appeal to international sensitivities? Whatever the reason, we must continue to pray that God would strengthen His people in the Middle East.

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, 2:30 p.m. EST:

The IDF has destroyed more Hamas tunnels, according to The Times of Israel.

Over the past week, IDF troops raises a Hamas compound, uncovering several tunnel shafts. The IDF reports that that these tunnels led to an unground network that spanned hundreds of meters.

Most notably, the troops found a weapons manufacturing plant in the tunnels, containing explosive materials and rocket fuel. This was in addition to a cache of weapons that held mortars, grenades, and RPGs.

Combat engineers have since destroyed the tunnels.

The IDF says troops have uncovered and destroyed a Hamas underground weapons manufacturing plant on the coast of central Gaza.

Over the past week, troops of the 179th Armored Brigade, Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit, and elite Yahalom combat engineering unit raided a Hamas… pic.twitter.com/QkroEtCL4g

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 4, 2024

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, 3:38 p.m. EST:

The IDF has killed one of Hamas’ key leaders.

According to Israel Today on Telegram, IDF jets struck and killed Saleh al-Arouri in the capital of Lebanon last evening.

According to Wikipedia, al-Arouri was “a senior leader of Hamas and a founding commander of its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to eliminate Hamas’ top officials, even those currently living abroad, following Hamas’ initial attack in October.

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, 11:33 a.m. EST:

Israel’s Supreme Court dealt a serious blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, striking down his controversial judicial reform.

According to CBS:

Israel’s Supreme Court struck down part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul on Monday, a move that could exacerbate political tension in the country as it changes its footing in the war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The judicial overhauls sparked months of protests after Netanyahu took office for a new term as prime minister a year ago.

With its ruling, Israel’s highest court overturned a law passed in July that prevented Supreme Court judges from overruling government decisions by declaring them unreasonable. The law was the first major part of the controversial plan by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government to curb the judicial branch’s power and give more authority to the national legislature.

The measures drew accusations from Israel’s political opposition that Netanyahu was deliberately eroding the country’s democratic system of checks and balances — right as he faced multiple personal legal battles over alleged corruption. The war with Hamas, sparked by the militant group’s unprecedented Oct. 7 terror attack on southern Israel, united the country, but did not resolve the underlying division stoked by Netanyahu’s formation of the country’s most far-right government ever last year.

At the same time, the IDF removed thousands of troops from Gaza after facing increasing calls to scale back its counteroffensive. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari did not speak on whether this drawdown signified a new phase of the war.

How will these new revelations affect the war effort? As intercessors, we continue to pray for the IDF, the people of Israel, and the hostages taken by Hamas.

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, 1:22 p.m. EST:

Israel’s war against Hamas is progressing slowly and with many casualties.

According to The Jerusalem Post, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi said that it could take several months to finish fighting Hamas. Halevi recognized that a long war would not be allowed in such a tumultuous political and diplomatic context. Israel will have to continually adjust its strategies to end the war as quickly and efficiently as possible.

This news comes as the IDF confirms that over 500 Israeli soldiers have been killed since Oct. 7, according to The Times of Israel.

Will Israel’s international reputation be able to survive this long war? Will its troops? This holiday season, let’s continue to pray that God would protect Israel from any and all threats.

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, 4:59 p.m. EST:

Israel’s offensive against Hamas is progressing steadily, although the same cannot be said for the rescue of the hostages.

According to The Times of Israel, the IDF is nearing the end of its ground offensive in northern Gaza. Soldiers are fighting the terrorists in new areas of Gaza, entering into the Daraj and Tuffah neighborhoods.

At the same time, the Times reports that an Israeli truce offer fell through. Israel had offered Hamas a seven-day truce in exchange for the release of 40 hostages. Hamas, however, demanded that Israel halt its offensive in Gaza and release all the Palestinian prisoners before any discussions of peace.

Even as the peace talks fall through, it is important to remember that our hope is in God, not in any earthly leaders or measures. We trust that He will set the captives free.

Monday, December 18, 2023, 4:20 p.m. EST:

Turkey is trying to influence the U.S. to influence Israel to stop the war. From U.S. News & World Report:

Monday, December 18, 2023, 12:20 p.m. EST:

Israel is warning Hezbollah amid recent several attacks.

Hezbollah has been carrying out frequent attacks against Israel. On Sunday, they fired an anti-tank missile at Kibbutz Sasa. This attack resulted in major damage, leading the IDF to retaliate.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quick to threaten the terrorist group. According to The Times of Israel:

Vowing to restore security in northern Israel so that the estimated 100,000 displaced residents of border communities can return to their homes, Gallant told reservist troops on the Lebanese border: “If Hezbollah wants to go up a level, we’ll go up five.”

“And it will be up to you,” he told the soldiers. “We don’t want that, we don’t want to get into a war situation. We want to restore peace and we will do it either through an agreement, or with forceful action, with all its implications.”

“We don’t want war, but we won’t hold it off for too long,” Gallant added.

Friday, December 15, 2023, 4:12 p.m. EST:

The IDF mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari announced the news mere hours ago. He said that the IDF bears full responsibility for what it is calling a “tragic incident.” The incident took place “in an area where the soldiers encountered many terrorists, including suicide bombers.”

Yotam Haim, Samar Fouad Talalka, and Alon Shamriz were the three hostages killed in the accident.

The IDF stressed that it would learn from this mistake and push onward. Meanwhile, family members of the hostages, both those slain and those still in captivity, called for a ceasefire in the hopes of freeing their relatives.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 10:18 a.m. EST:

Earlier this year, we reported that Israel was considering flooding Hamas’ underground tunnels with seawater. Recently, this IDF began employing this tactic.

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Israel has begun flooding Hamas’ tunnels with water from the Mediterranean Sea. Little is known about this move, seeing as Israel is keeping the details classified.

The tunnels are one of Hamas’ greatest assets, so it is good that the IDF is working to destroy them. However, there may be hostages still in the tunnels. We pray that Israel would be able to destroy these tunnels and rescue the hostages.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 9:15 a.m. EST:

Hamas is threatening to kill all of the hostages it currently holds, according to Breitbart.

The threat came over the weekend from Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas. In a video announcing the threat, Obeida said, “Neither the fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership … nor its supporters … can take their prisoners alive without an exchange and negotiation and meeting the demands of the resistance…”

Up until now, the hostages have been the only bargaining chip Hamas holds in negotiations. This threat may show that they are getting desperate, feeling the might of the IDF closing in.

Nevertheless, it is apparent that the hostages need prayer now more than ever. We invite all intercessors to pray for these hostages by name using our recently released resources, Faces of War in Israel. Download it for free by clicking the ad below:

Friday, December 8, 2023, 12:30 p.m. EST:

Israeli troops aren’t letting the war against Hamas get in the way of their celebrations.

All throughout Gaza, Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldiers celebrated the first night on Hanukkah last night, lighting the first candle. It is encouraging to see that, even during this time of war, people are still celebrating!

Amir Tsarfati shared footage of paratroopers celebrating on his Telegram channel:

Thursday, December 7, 2023, 4:05 p.m. EST:

Dozens of Hamas fighters surrendered earlier today, according to the New York Post.

The terrorists were photographed and recorded both on the street and in a military vehicle, stripped down to their underwear and blindfolded.

Local Channel 12 estimates that over 100 fighters surrendered. Praise God!

We have been asking the Lord to change the hearts of Hamas fighters. That seems to be exactly what happened here. This is an answered prayer!

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 9:54 EST:

Israel may flood Hamas’ tunnels with seawater, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Last month, the Israel Defense Forces set up five pumps to draw water out of the Mediterranean and flood Hamas’ numerous tunnels in Gaza. While they are ready to move forward, Israel is still not sure whether to implement this plan.

It is important to remember that Hamas’ hostages are being kept underneath Gaza in tunnels. Should Israel flood the tunnels, they may end up harming the hostages. Additionally, since the IDF does not know the full extent of Hamas’ tunnel network, they run the risk of harming the foundations of buildings if they flood the tunnels, according to the WSJ.

According to the Times of Israel, the IDF has already destroyed hundreds of kilometers of tunnels.

Friday, December 1, 2023, 10 a.m. EST:

At 7:12 a.m. this morning in Israel, Israeli leaders announced: “Hamas violated the ceasefire.”

From The Times of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces resumed its military offensive in the Gaza Strip on Friday after a week-long truce as the Hamas terror group broke the ceasefire, firing rockets into Israel and failing to provide a list of hostages it intended to release by 7 a.m.

In response, the IDF said it was renewing combat seven days after fighting ceased, during which time 105 civilians were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, including 81 Israelis, 23 Thai nationals, and 1 Filipino, in exchange for 210 Palestinian prisoners, all of them women or minors. Israel also allowed an influx of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Still held hostage by Gaza terror groups when the truce collapsed were 137 people — 115 men, 20 women and two children — government spokesperson Eylon Levy said. Ten of the hostages are 75 and older. The vast majority of the hostages, 126, are Israeli. Eleven are foreign nationals, including eight from Thailand.

Israel hostage advocate Calev Myers joins Dave Kubal on IFA’s First Friday Prayer & Fasting Call/Webcast today.

Watch: IFApray.org/watch
Listen: (667) 771-7909

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 9:45 a.m. EST:

On October 7, Hamas kidnapped Shiri Bibas, and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir. Now Hamas is saying that the three have been killed.

Many have been concerned with the Bibas family, considering the fact that they are the youngest hostages stolen by the terrorists. Ariel is 4, while his brother Kfir is only 10 months old. On Sunday, Israel believed that the boys and their mother had been transferred to a different terrorist faction. Just yesterday, however, Hamas stated that the three were killed by an Israel Defense Force airstrike.

The IDF is currently investigating this report. We will let you know what they conclude regarding the fate of the Bibas family.

It is worth remembering that these reports are not always true. Hamas has been known to erroneously report the deaths of hostages before. Until we receive more information, we should continue to pray for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 10:25 a.m. EST:

Urgent prayer request! The most nefarious situation currently is that of the Bibas children. Hamas is saying that they are not in their care as they were handed over to another terrorist group. We cannot trust anything they say. Posters have been put up in southern Gaza by ‘citizens’ with the Bias’s photos declaring that they are assets to the war against at Israel and should not be returned. In Acts 12:12 fashion we are striking heaven today.

“These are still 9 Israeli children being held hostage in Gaza. They are:

Kfir Bibas, 10 months

Ariel Bibas, 4

Gali Tarshansky, 13

Amit Shani, 16

Ofir Engel, 17

Maya Leimberg, 17

Aisha Zaidna, 17

Liam Or, 18

Itay Regev, 18

We know of a baby born to an abducted foreign worker while in Gaza but we have no information about the baby’s condition. Judging by what we hear from released abductees concerning the way they were kept and treated, we doubt if this baby even survived. I hope I’m wrong!” From Amir Tsarfati

ALSO:

Members of Netanyahu’s coalition are furious that Hamas broke the ceasefire by detonating explosives against IDF soldiers, and Israel is not responding in force.

This is all part of Hamas’s game.

Hamas knows how to poke and prod and sow division in Israel by forcing impossible political decisions.

From Israel Today on Telegram
https://t.me/ILtoday

Monday, November 27, 2023, 9:55 a.m. EST:

Hamas will likely release more hostages today, according to the Times of Israel.

Hamas and Israel are currently in the midst of an ongoing truce. The terrorists secured this truce by promising to release 50 hostages, and Israel is allowing them to potentially extend the truce by a day for each 10 additional hostages released. Many hostages have been freed already.

Today’s hostage release, however, has been delayed. Israel has taken issue with Hamas’ proposed list of people to release, claiming that the terrorist is violating the agreed upon terms by planning to release children without their mothers. Despite this, officials are optimistic that the crisis will be resolved soon.

Most recently, an Egyptian official announced mere minutes ago that 11 hostages will be released later today. This same official also said that the Israel-Hamas truce will likely be extended by two more days, seeing an additional 20 hostages released.

Monday, November 20, 2023, 3:55 p.m. EST:

Over the weekend, the Israel Defense Force revealed part of Hamas’ large network of tunnels.

From The Times of Israel:

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency release new footage showing part of Hamas’s tunnel network underneath Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, where the terror group is believed to have a main command center.

…

The new videos show that the tunnel shaft has a winding staircase from around three meters deep, continuing down for another seven meters until it reaches part of the tunnel network. The tunnel continues for five meters, before turning to the right and continuing for another 50 meters.

Also, God is fighting on the side of the Israelites! Miraculously, the weather itself is assisting the IDF in its fight against Hamas. Find out more in the video below:

Friday, November 17, 2023, 11:30 a.m. EST:

The war is steadily progressing. Amir Tsarfati, beloved Israeli teacher and author, shares the update for today, discussing the IDF’s raids on Gaza hospitals.

Watch this update below:

Thursday, November 16, 2023, 9:24 a.m. EST:

Messianic believer and IDF Sergeant Major Chaim Malespin says that God is encouraging him on the battlefield as he fights for Israel. He shared 10 prayer points for Israel, encouraging believers across the world to intercede for God’s nation.

Watch this powerful video below:

Friday, November 10, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EST:

Today at IFA’s Shaping History Conference, former Congresswoman and Dean of the Regent University School of Government, the Honorable Michele Bachmann, delivered a profound prophetic exhortation to the Body that resulted in a Holy Spirit led intercession that shifted the atmosphere.

This was after she reported that a CNN/AP/Reuters photographer is connected with hostage. This suggests that many of the gruesome images were recorded by a paid journalist.

She also reported that the Biden is quietly pushing for reduction in Israel’s bomb strength which will mean that Israel cannot penetrate the tunnels where Hamas is located. Bachmann told the crowd that Israel is not allowed to manufacture their own weapons due to a U.S. led international policy. They must get all their bombs from the U.S.

After this session, IFA intercessor, prayer leader, and contributing writer Lori Meed sensed this from the Lord and it was confirmed by other IFA leaders:

After Michele Bachmann’s presentation today, the Holy Spirit was heavy on me.  Betsy West, IFA Pennsylvania Prayer Leader, and I  began to talk about the U.S. refusing to provide bunker bombs. And again the Spirit begin to press on me and I began to declare prophetically or anybody else to win this war. And then I began to prophesy that God is going to send an earthquake to break open the earth, exposing and freeing the hostages. We all prayed into that and everyone was feeling that this was the Lord. Let’s all agree in prayer that Israel would turn from looking to anybody but the Lord and that the Lord will move in power to break open these terror tunnels, freeing the hostages and exposing all of the Hamas leadership. 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 2:58 p.m. EST:

Israel recently struck down a Hamas commander, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Wael Asefa, commander of Hamas’ Deir al-Balah Battalion, was killed Sunday night by an airstrike from the Israel Defense Force. His death was confirmed by the IDF and Shin Bet, Israel’s intelligence agency.

Asefa was reportedly one of the commanders who ordered the infamous attack on Israel exactly one month ago.

Meanwhile, Hamas is claiming that it destroyed an Israeli tank in Gaza.

As the war continues, we will continue to pray for peace and victory for Israel.

Monday, November 6, 2023, 9:34 a.m. EST:

We just received word that Israel needs urgent prayer!

According to the update we received, Israel’s troops are currently in the biggest hospital in Gaza, currently used as Hamas’ headquarters. They have found hostages and are fighting the terrorists.

A rabbi is asking people to pray Psalms 120, 121, 37, 83, 124, 144, and 150. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

Friday, November 3, 2023, 6:00 p.m. EST:

In the latest news, Hezbollah vows to continue attacking U.S. troops and polls show younger voters in America are less likely to support Israel.

From Fox News. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the terrorist group will continue its attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria.

Nasrallah made the comment in a televised speech Friday addressing the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.

“The US must be held accountable and pay the price for the crimes perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, hence resistance movements have attacked and will continue to attack American forces in Iraq and Syria,” the Hezbollah leader vowed.

He continued, “Israel has revealed itself to be a weak state, as fragile as a spider web, and it needs American and Western support. Otherwise, why would the U.S. Navy send an aircraft carrier shortly after the Oct. 7 attack? Why else would Biden visit Israel, alongside numerous American government secretaries, the military top brass and European leaders?”

Praising Hamas for its violent attacks and referring to Israel as “the occupiers,” Nasrallah said the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks were strictly a Palestinian operation.

Nasrallah made the same assertion about Iran, claiming the deadly attacks were perpetrated without the Iranian government’s knowledge.

From The Times of Israel.

A poll published Thursday by Quinnipiac demonstrated the stark age divide. Respondents were asked, “Do you approve or disapprove of the way Israel is responding to the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack?” Half approved and 35 percent disapproved overall. But only 32% of respondents aged 18-34 approved of Israel’s response, as opposed to about 58% of those aged 50 and older.

The Quinnipiac poll was conducted on October 26, reaching 1,610 voters by phone, and had a margin of error of 2.4%.

Polls taken closer to the Hamas invasion found greater support overall for Israel, but that backing still diminished rapidly as respondents dropped in age.

Thursday, November 2, 2023, 5:17 p.m. EST:

Hamas is stealing resources from Palestinians, according to the Israel Defense Force (IDF).

The IDF intercepted a phone call recently implying that Hamas is diverting fuel from Palestinian hospitals to their military activities. The IDF released this call late Wednesday evening.

From Ynet:

In the recording, a commander from Hamas’s Western Jabaliya Battalion is heard speaking to a Gazan resident, with the director of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza’s Beit Lahia also on the line, and the commander repeatedly alludes to Hamas taking fuel from the hospital’s stocks, “working as a government for the sake of the country.”

This revelation comes as many are accusing Israel of war crimes, refusing to help the innocent Palestinians. It would seem that most aid meant for the Palestinians ends up in the hands of Hamas.

We continue to pray for the victims of this war, both Palestinian and Israeli. We pray for a decisive victory over Hamas!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 2:28 p.m. EST:

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is “advancing on the road to defeating Hamas.”

These comments were made in a recent press conference. Gallant claims that the IDF has delivered “severe blows” to Hamas, wiping out “thousands of terrorists.” He also vows that Israeli will not waver in its effort, even as much of the world cries out to condemn the nation.

From The Times of Israel:

“The enemy has only two choices — to die or surrender unconditionally,” he says.

…

Asked about the delayed start of the ground offensive, a possible time limit for the war, and the pressures of global opinion, Gallant replies: “The ground offensive began when the time was ripe… This is a war of no choice. We must win the war, whatever the price, however long it takes. Even if this does not find favor with some other countries, we will continue until we defeat Hamas.”

Also, approximately one hour ago, President Biden announced that Americans trapped in Gaza will be able to leave later today. This announcement comes as around 700 Americans still reside in Gaza.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 9:24 a.m. EST:

A Hamas official said that the tunnels underneath Gaza exist to protect terrorists, not civilians.

These remarks come from an interview that was translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

In this interview, Mousa Abu Marzouk, a Hamas official, is asked why the terrorist organization has not built bomb shelters in addition to the vast tunnel network to protect civilians from Israeli airstrikes. The Daily Wire covers Marzouk’s response:

“We have built the tunnels because we have no other way of protecting ourselves from being targeted and killed,” he responded. “These tunnels are meant to protect us from the airplanes. We are fighting from inside the tunnels.”

“Everybody knows that 75% of the people in the Gaza Strip are refugees, and it is the responsibility of the United Nations to protect them,” he continued. “According to the Geneva Convention, it is the responsibility of the occupation to provide them with all the services as long as they are under occupation.”

Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly deploying a new weapon to combat Hamas with. In order to fight terrorists within the many tunnels underneath Palestine, the Israel Defense Force plans to use “sponge bombs.”

From The Daily Wire:

Sponge bombs, which Israel has reportedly been using in training exercises over the last two years, are chemical bombs that when detonated rapidly expands into a foam that quickly hardens.

The sponge bombs would allow Israel to prevent Hamas from ambushing them as they move through Gaza since they will be able to seal off entire sections of tunnel.

As the battlefield changes and the war develops, we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Saturday, October 28, 2023, 7:00 p.m. EST:

We received an urgent message from our Thursday, 10-26, Pray with America’s Leaders webcast guest:

Please ask people to pray for the following groups of people here:

1. The kidnapped to come home safely as soon as possible 2. The soldiers who are risking their lives protecting the country, fighting for it, trying to find the kidnapped.
2. The relatives of the fallen soldiers and civilians. May God comfort them.
3. The people who lost their homes. May God provide for them.
4. The wounded soldiers and civilians. May God help them recover completely.
5. The people who are trying to help in any possible way: giving blood, giving money, cooking, praying… May God bless them abundantly.

Please pray for peace. Pray that no more people are killed or wounded. Pray that God deliver the country and the people from the evil.

Friday, October 27, 3:08 p.m. EST:

Israel plans to “expand” its activity in Gaza tonight, an Israel Defense Force spokesman confirmed.

According to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel has ramped up its airstrikes in Gaza over the past few hours, and their ground forces will expand their activity tonight. He also continue to call for Palestinians to evacuate the south side of the Gaza Strip.

This news comes as Israel’s ground invasion has repeatedly been delayed. Will this change tonight as the ground forces “expand” their activities?

In related news, Gaza recently lost internet and phone services as a result of Israel’s attacks and bombardment. The Palestinians there are now effectively cut off from the rest of the world.

Hamas has not taken kindly to the plight of the Palestinian people, calling on the world to act. The released a statement recently asking the “international community” to restrain Israel. From The Times of Israel:

“We call on the Arab and Muslim countries and the international community to take responsibility and act immediately to stop the crimes and series of massacres against our people,” Hamas says in a statement.

As intercessors, we know that Israel’s response to Hamas is justified, but we also know that death displeases the Lord (see Ezekiel 18:32). We pray for the protection of the Jewish people, but we also pray for the protection of the innocent Palestinians. Let them be spared and saved from Hamas, God!

Thursday, October 26, 10:51 a.m. EST:

The Israel Defense Force is preparing for the “next stages of combat,” according to a recent statement.

Last night, the IDF sent tanks and bulldozers into Gaza, striking “numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts.”

From The Daily Wire:

Thermal imaging showed roughly a dozen heavily armored vehicles, mostly Merkava tanks, following bulldozers that smashed through Israel’s fence on its border with Gaza that was built to protect Israel from Palestinian terrorists.

You can view a video of the vehicles crossing the border into Gaza and the IDF’s statement below:

In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza.

IDF tanks & infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts.

The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory. pic.twitter.com/oMdSDR84rU

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 26, 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 9:18 a.m. EST:

The UN has issued a dire warning, claiming that its aid to Gaza will be halted if it is unable to get more fuel.

In response to this warning, the IDF posted this on X:

These fuel tanks are inside Gaza.

They contain more than 500,000 liters of fuel.

Ask Hamas if you can have some. https://t.co/Dlag6VdbMq pic.twitter.com/WXzZMFr8yI

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 24, 2023

According to IDF international spokesman Jonathan Conricus, who appeared on CNN recently, there is ample fuel in Gaza. The fuel, however, like everything else, is being controlled by the terrorist group Hamas.

From The Daily Wire:

“Hamas has fuel, Hamas has quite a lot of fuel,” Conricus said. “They can decide where to use that fuel. And I find it strikingly absent from the discussion, from many discussions, what is Hamas doing with the resources that it has? It’s only about Israel, and Egypt, and UN, and international organizations.”

“What about Hamas? Why aren’t the questions posed to Hamas?” he continued. “Why don’t you use some of the fuel that you have stockpiled and hoarded in advance of this situation and use it for the civilians?”

Conricus further clarified that this is yet another instance of Hamas abusing the people it claims to fight for, allowing them to suffer for international pity:

“They are using these poor civilians, which are not our enemy and are not our target, they’re using them cynically, just in order to milk every drop of international pity and legitimacy for their horrific activities, and they’re using their own civilians to do it,” he added.

The longer this war goes on, the more the Palestinian and Israeli people will suffer. We continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the end of anti-Israeli terrorism!

Tuesday, October 24, 10:52 a.m. EST:

Mere moments ago, a massage barrage of rockets fired by Hamas hit central Israel. This is the largest number of rockets fired by the terrorists since Israel began its counteroffensive.

Thus far, 5 Israelis have been wounded. Two were hit by rocket shrapnel. The other three were injured while seeking shelter.

As rockets pound the nation and would its citizens, we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Monday, October 23, 9:45 a.m. EST:

The IDF has been quite busy, striking several terrorist cells in Lebanon.

Minutes ago, the IDF struck a terror cell in southern Lebanon that was allegedly planning to attack Israel. A spokesman said this was one strike of many since the war began.

From The Times of Israel:

Earlier today, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the military has carried out strikes to eliminate more than 20 Hezbollah cells in southern Lebanon since the start of the war.

Also, we invite you to check our this powerful song, performed by Israeli children looking for support in the middle of a war:

Friday, October 20, 5:55 p.m. EST:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave an update on the Americans trapped in Israel.

He shared how two American hostages were recently released from Gaza, but that 10 American citizens are still unaccounted for.

From The Times of Israel:

“We share in the relief that their families, friends and loved ones are feeling,” he says in a statement to the press. “But there are still 10 additional Americans who remain unaccounted for in this conflict. We know that some of them are being held hostage by Hamas, along with an estimated 200 other hostages held in Gaza.”

Blinken said that President Biden plans to “do everything possible to secure the release of every hostage.” In the meantime, we should continue to pray over each and every person trapped by Hamas, whether they are American, Israeli, or any other ethnicity.

Meanwhile, Blinken recently came under fire on account of the United States’ relationship with Qatar. While Qatar did help free the two American hostages, the also currently host Hamas’ political bureau. Speaking about the rescuing of the hostages, Blinked said that he appreciated Qatar’s assistance.

Thursday, October 19, 1:43 p.m. EST:

When will Israel launch a ground invasion of Gaza? Is that still the plan? Was it ever the plan?

Just a few minutes ago, Israel’s security cabinet gathered. At the time of this update, they are currently meeting.

These are the people who would need to give approval for a ground invasion to come to pass.

Whether they choose to approve a ground invasion or not, we should still pray over each and every security cabinet meeting. In this time of war, the security cabinet’s members have the lives of millions of Israeli Jews in their hands.

Wednesday, October 18, 3:30 p.m. EST:

New York Times bestselling author, resident of Israel, and IFA webcast guest, Joel Rosenberg posted this today about President Biden’s trip to Israel:

“I don’t agree with U.S. President Joe Biden on almost any of his domestic or foreign policies.

But when he does the right thing, I’m not afraid to say so.

And Biden did the right thing today.

He became the first American president to visit Israel during a time of war.

It gave us a big boost of superpower support when we need it most.

And it gave us a big boost of bipartisan support, which we also need.

Many Evangelical Christians are furious with Biden over his policies on abortion, LGBTQ issues, transgender issues, taxes, spending, and so much more.

So am I.

But Israel needs a friend in the White House right now.

The big question – and a very serious one – is this: Will President Biden stick with us through thick and thin?”

This is how Rosenberg ended his article:

I’m not going to be a cynic, but I’m a skeptic.

I’m still furious with Biden for appeasing the Iranian regime in so many ways over so many years.

And for pulling all U.S. forces out of Afghanistan on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

And allowing the Afghan government to collapse and be replaced by the Taliban.

And for being so hostile to the Saudi government for so long.

And for giving Israel’s prime minister the cold shoulder so publicly for so long.

To name just a few of Biden’s Middle East policies I disagree with.

But he did the right thing today.

And I’m grateful.

Never have Israelis needed bipartisan support in Washington, and from all the American people, more than we do right now.

Thank God for the U.S. President’s action in support of Israel and pray that this support and conviction will continue.

You can read a full transcript of their meeting and the full Rosenberg post HERE.

Wednesday, October 18, 8:50 a.m. EST:

Mere minutes ago, President Biden wrapped up his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his war cabinet.

While we do not yet know what the President discussed with these wartime leaders, we do know that his visit to Israel has been positive thus far. Earlier this morning, Netanyahu noted that Biden is the first U.S. President to visit Israel in a time of war, referring to the gesture as, “deeply, deeply moving.”

Throughout his time with Netanyahu, Biden expressed his unwavering support for Israel. He endorsed Israel’s stated version of events surrounding yesterday’s hospital bombing (We will cover this horrific tragedy in a separate article).

Just before meeting with the war cabinet, Biden stated that Israel was founded on freedom, justice, and peace. He said clearly, “The United States stands with you in defense of that freedom, in pursuit of that justice, and in support of that peace, today, tomorrow, and always, we promise you.”

Tuesday, October 17, 9:58 a.m. EST:

Hezbollah is attacking Israel, joining Hamas’ efforts to destroy the nation.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese terror group, has fired several missiles today at northern towns in Israel.  The IDF is responding by shelling the source of the missiles in southern Lebanon.

Thus far, at least three people, two reservists and one civilian, have been hurt.

Additionally, Hamas confirmed in the past hour that Ayman Nofal, a member of the group’s General Military Council and the head of its military’s Central Gaza Brigade, was killed. It seems that the IDF took out this key leader in an airstrike, although they have not yet confirmed or denied this fact.

Monday, October 16, 3:30 p.m. EST:

American troops may be deployed to fight for Israel.

According to Fox News:

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has put in “be ready to deploy” orders for a select number of American troops should Israel need them, an official told Fox News.

It is not yet clear when or if these troops will be deployed. Additionally, the exact number of troops has not yet been confirmed, although The Wall Street Journal reported the number as being around 2,000.

This comes as Biden’s administration has moved to support Israel more and more in the past few days. In his most recent interview, the President went so far as to say that Hamas should be completely eliminated.

Monday, October 16, 9 a.m. EST:

The IDF struck dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip over the past few hours.

The post below translates as, “The IDF continues to attack in the Gaza Strip. In the last few hours, dozens of operational headquarters and mortar bomb launching positions were destroyed. In addition, the military headquarters of Ali Kachi, one of the commanders in the Najaba force of the terrorist organization Hamas, which was eliminated a few days ago, was destroyed.”

צה”ל ממשיך לתקוף ברצועת עזה.

בשעות האחרונות הושמדו עשרות מפקדות מבצעיות ועמדות שיגור של פצצות מרגמה. בנוסף, הושמדה מפקדתו הצבאית של עלי קאצ’י, אחד מהמפקדים בכוח הנח’בה של ארגון הטרור חמאס שחוסל לפני מספר ימים >> pic.twitter.com/zSJdvU7BLu

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) October 16, 2023

These strikes continue despite the presence of civilians in Gaza. Israel has called for those civilians to be evacuated, but Hamas has refused. According to The Daily Wire:

A Gaza resident of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip told Israeli operatives that Hamas confiscated personal equipment and car keys from people in a shelter where he was staying.

“This is further evidence that the terrorist organization Hamas actively prevents its citizens from evacuating and protecting themselves,” the IDF said as it waits for more people to be evacuated to southern Gaza before it launches its operations.

The Daily Wire also reports that Hamas has put up roadblocks in an effort to keep Gaza’s citizens from evacuating.

This behavior seems to be typical for Hamas. In an interview published yesterday, President Biden described the terrorist group as “cowards” who are “hiding behind the civilians.”

Israel must defend its land from Hamas. It should try, however, to keep civilians out of the crossfire as much as possible. In such a messy situation, we look to the God of Israel for divine help. Save Israel, O God!

Sunday, October 15, 2023, 7:28am EST:

From NBC News:

Documents exclusively obtained by NBC News show that Hamas created detailed plans to target elementary schools and a youth center in the Israeli kibbutz of Kfar Sa’ad, to “kill as many people as possible,” seize hostages and quickly move them into the Gaza Strip.

The attack plans, which are labeled “top secret” in Arabic, appear to be orders for two highly trained Hamas units to surround and infiltrate villages and target places where civilians, including children, gather. Israeli authorities are still determining the death toll in Kfar Sa’ad.

The documents were found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists by Israeli first responders and shared with NBC News. They include detailed maps and show that Hamas intended to kill or take hostage civilians and school children.

One page labeled “Top Secret” outlines a plan of attack for Kfar Sa’ad, saying “Combat unit 1” is directed to “contain the new Da’at school,” while “Combat unit 2” is to “collect hostages,” “search the Bnei Akiva youth center” and “search the old Da’at school.”

Another page labeled “Top Secret Maneuver” describes a plan for a Hamas unit to secure the east side of Kfar Sa’ad while a second unit controls the west. It says “kills as many as possible” and “capture hostages.” Other orders include surrounding a dining hall and holding hostages in it.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
‭‭Psalm 125‬:‭2‬ ‭

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, 5:37 p.m. EST:

Just over 20 minutes ago, the IDF took out a cell of terrorists in Gaza.

The IDF located these terrorists emerging from a tunnel and acted immediately. They say they have struck several other key Hamas sites in the past few hours.

The post below translates as, “The IDF eliminated a squad of Hamas terrorists that was identified coming out of a tunnel shaft in Gaza; a combat helicopter located a building containing a number of terrorists – and eliminated them.”

צה”ל חיסל חוליית מחבלי חמאס שזוהתה יוצאת מפיר מנהרה בשטח עזה; מסוק קרב איתר בניין ובו מספר מחבלים – וחיסל אותם@Doron_Kadosh pic.twitter.com/fsaTdPw4YE

— גלצ (@GLZRadio) October 14, 2023

Additionally, the situation has become even more drastic for American citizens. The U.S. State Department confirmed that 29 American citizens have been killed, and that 15 are still unaccounted for.

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EST:

From the Jerusalem Post. In the wake of the unspeakably horrific events of October 7, Israelis have demonstrated a remarkable unity that speaks to the indomitable spirit of our nation.

President Isaac Herzog remarked on Wednesday that the attack had awakened a profound sense of solidarity among the Israeli people. This heartening unity is palpable across the country as citizens come together to offer unwavering support for one another. Herzog, recognizing this inspiring display of resilience, visited Sderot on Wednesday to witness these efforts firsthand and meet the brave first responders. . . .

This profound sense of unity is the beacon that makes Israel a shining light among the nations.

While the attack on October 7 was undeniably traumatic – and its horrors reverberate throughout the nation and will do so for many years to come – the immediate response from Israelis was one of compassion and support for one another. Many communities have fallen silent as citizens remain at home or are called up for military duty. Yet, in the face of this adversity, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of goods and collections for the people of the southern regions. This initial response, driven by a deep-seated tradition of rallying together in times of disaster, marks the beginning of the healing process. It is this spirit that distinguishes Israel as a society where the duty to one’s compatriots is unwavering.

In this challenging time, the very best of Israel has emerged, with individuals from all corners of the nation converging on Sderot and the border areas – driven not by orders or commands – from an ingrained habit forged over years of hardship: a commitment to first respond with unity and aid in the face of terror.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Ps. 133:1).

From Watch.org:

Luke 21:25-26: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Eclipses are often significant signs that God uses to warn nations of coming events. Like the 2017 and 2024 total solar eclipses, this 2023 annular solar eclipse also seems to have prophetic significance for America. While there may be some different interpretations as to what the sign might mean, it very possibly ties in with the recent events of the war with Israel and Hamas and may indicate that the United States and the world in general are continuing to move toward military conflict and war which would occur in multiple places on the globe.

Because the eclipse specifically occurs over part of the United States, it seems to represent a pivot point and a forewarning of a different season the country is now coming into. And it is very possible that it is a warning that the United States could see events that are similar in nature to what Israel has recently experienced (such as terrorist attacks on the nation) which would lead to subsequent government and military actions. Notice also that the path of annularity touches all ofthe states that have land borders on the south. Could this indicate threats (like military weapons) coming across the Southern border?

Solar eclipses always occur at the time of a new moon cycle, and new moon tied to this eclipse is the indicator for the month of Cheshvan. In Judaism, Cheshvan has sometimes been called a ‘bitter’ month, because there are no scriptural Hebrew holidays celebrated in the month. It may represent that a time of bitterness is coming in America (in the sense of bitterness as representing grief because of painful circumstances).

God is still calling America as a nation to repent of sins. But because the country as a whole has not repented, additional consequences are about to manifest on the nation. As well as the fact that Jesus stated there would be birth pangs in the world before His return. And in the midst of all these things, God is still working to save souls.

Read more about the eclipse and the fascinating connection to President Eisenhower, who was a fierce defender of the Jewish people.

This WSJ article explains how terrorist groups fund their actions, skirting sanctions.

Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m. EST:

Thank God for what did not happen today during the “day of rage.”

You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

My praise shall be of You in the great assembly;
I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.

(Ps. 22:23-25)

Documents left behind by Hamas indicate they were instructed to kill civilians:

Hamas combat protocol document reveals: they were instructed to kill Israeli civilians | Our reporter @eliorlevy with all the details@kaisos1987 | #KanIsraelstory pic.twitter.com/rTLdrcZlXy

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) October 13, 2023

Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, 9:30 a.m. EST:

Israel has called for evacuation of Gaza in advance of IDF ground forces moving into the area, but some reports say Hamas has demanded that residents of northern Gaza stay in their homes.

Let’s pray for a swift resolution of this war and for a minimal loss of life.

“We are fighting a terror group, not the Gazan population. We don’t want to harm civilians, but we cannot live with Hamas-ISIS rule near our border. Hamas carried out one of the most horrific acts the world has ever seen, we are conducting an effort to evacuate residents to increase our freedom of movement to deepen the damage [to Hamas], to destroy it,” said IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

The UN warned Israel about fighting on the ground in Gaza: “The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded, avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan offered a stern response: “The U.N.’s response to Israel’s early warning to the residents of Gaza is a disgrace! For many years, the U.N. turned a blind eye to the arming of Hamas and its use of civilian populations and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip for murder and for stockpiling its weapons. Now, instead of standing with Israel whose citizens were slaughtered by Hamas terrorists and which still tries to minimize harm to noncombatants, it preaches specifically to Israel. It would be better for the U.N. to focus now on returning the captives, condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about this as well: “Our humanity — the value that we place on human life and human dignity — that’s what makes us who we are. And we count them among our greatest strengths. That’s why it’s so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, 5:30 p.m. EST:

This is answered prayer. Pray that the $6 billion NEVER reaches Iran.

The United States has reached a “quiet understanding” with Qatar to put a hold on the scheduled transfer of $6 billion to Iran in exchange for five Americans released from detention on Sept. 18.

The American move comes “as the U.S. and Israel scrutinize Iran’s role in funding and training Hamas,” CBS News reports.

Also, President Erdogan of Turkey calls the Israeli response to Hamas in Gaza a “massacre.”  The Turkish government has offered to mediate between Hamas and Israel.

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, 9:45 a.m. EST:

“The message that I bring to Israel is this,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “you may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to.”

This same statement was made by Amir Tsarfati of Behold Israel in an interview with Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel, in Leesburg, Virginia. Tsarfati based his statement on the Bible, that America keeps Israel from standing alone. At some point, biblical prophecy indicates that Israel will stand alone. But praise God that that’s not just now.

Shortly after arriving in Israel, Secretary Blinken appeared in Tel Aviv, delivering a joint statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A Jew himself, Blinken shared his family’s history with persecution and what the war in Israel meant to him. As a member of President Biden’s cabinet, he promised that the United States would always support Israel.

You can view the whole statement below:

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, 7:45 p.m. EST:

U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed reports that the Hamas terrorists beheaded children.

“It is important for Americans to see what is happening. I have been doing this for a long time. I never thought that I would see… have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children,” Biden said in remarks to American Jewish community leaders at a White House roundtable.

“Downplaying Hamas’s atrocities and blaming the Jewish people is unthinkable,” Biden said.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield offered these stirring remarks Wednesday at a community gathering in New York hosted by the American Jewish Committee :

“Hamas terrorists slaughtered more than a thousand innocent civilians, including at least 22 Americans. Reports estimate that more than 100 civilians were taken hostage. But these numbers – as shocking as they are – do not do justice to the depths of horrors, the depravity of the violence. They do not do justice to the victims and their loved ones. Human lives are not just numbers.

“We must tell the stories of those who were executed, who were raped, who were kidnapped. Entire families, children, babies, Holocaust survivors, grandparents in wheelchairs. And we must tell the stories of innocent civilians like Doron Asher Katz and her two young daughters, who were taken hostage while visiting their grandmother in southern Israel. Whose whereabouts, like so many others, are still unknown.

“To my diplomatic colleagues, this moment is a test of the international community. It is a test of our common humanity. We cannot draw false equivalencies between Hamas’ outrageous attacks and Israel’s inherent right of self-defense under the UN Charter, and we cannot issue weak condemnations that fail to unequivocally denounce Hamas by name.

“For far too long, Israel has been unfairly targeted in the UN system, and that needs to change. Now is the moment to stand in solidarity with Israel.” 

Reflecting on a 2021 visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum in Israel, Thomas-Greenfield recalled participating in a ceremony rekindling the eternal flames at the site’s Hall of Remembrance.

“That solemn ceremony … served as a poignant reminder for me that we must live up to a sacred promise: ‘Never Again.’ ”

“ ‘Never Again,’ my friends, is now. The eyes of the world are on us. The eyes of history are on us. We must condemn this barbaric violence, and we must combat the scourge of antisemitism.

“And we must keep the memories of the victims of these attacks alive. Let us share their stories with the world. The families they built. The joy they spread. The Mitzvahs they performed. May their memories be a blessing. May we shun evil and do good. And may we seek peace. Am Yisrael Chai.”

From The Times of Israel

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, 3:15 p.m. EST:

Horrors from Kibbutz Be’eri

As Israeli search-and-rescue teams go through the rubble at Kibbutz Be’eri, they’re finding evidence of this unimaginable massacre of 100 people. The body parts of children have been found, and only DNA tests will match them with their parents. Special Forces entered a home where 40 people were being held by 20 terrorists. Six Special Forces members lost their lives there.

The Lord is a God who avenges.
    O God who avenges, shine forth.
 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
    pay back to the proud what they deserve.
How long, Lord, will the wicked,
    how long will the wicked be jubilant?

They pour out arrogant words;
    all the evildoers are full of boasting.
They crush your people, Lord;
    they oppress your inheritance.
 They slay the widow and the foreigner;
    they murder the fatherless.
 They say, “The Lord does not see;
    the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
    you fools, when will you become wise?
Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
    Does he who formed the eye not see?
Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
    Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
 The Lord knows all human plans;
    he knows that they are futile.

Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
    the one you teach from your law;
you grant them relief from days of trouble,
    till a pit is dug for the wicked.
For the Lord will not reject his people;
    he will never forsake his inheritance.
 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
    Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
 Unless the Lord had given me help,
    I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
 When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:1–19

American citizens in Israel

From The Times of Israel: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says 17 American citizens remain unaccounted for, possibly because they are being held hostage in Gaza.

This is the first time the White House has provided a number regarding the unaccounted-for Americans.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirms that Americans are being held by Hamas.

Israel’s Channel 12 quotes Al-Arabiya in reporting that Egypt has received an assurance from Hamas that it will not harm hostages with foreign or dual citizenship.

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, 1:45 p.m. EST:

Avner Boskey of David’s Tent messaged IFA:

“It turns out that there was either a cyber attack or software malfunction or human error — and the perception of a Lebanese incursion was mistaken. I have never seen this happen before.

“The Israel Home Front Command app sent a false alarm nationwide.

“This war is different in so many ways. Fear is sometimes called “false evidence appearing real.” Hamas and its “allies” create fear/terror in many ways: barbaric acts of violence; committing atrocities on the elderly and the young; bombs; bullets; and fake attacks.”

Prayer:

Father, we ask You to help the people of Israel defend from every kind of attack. May they cry out to You and experience Your love and care. 

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, 12:45 p.m. EST:

Northern residents of Israel have been urged to take shelter. Reports are coming in that Hezbollah is invading from the north. Rockets target Tel Aviv as well.

From The Times of Israel:

The Israel Defense Forces says it has not identified any impacts and there are no reports of injuries following drone infiltration alerts that sounded across northern Israel.

“IDF forces are scanning the area from the ground and from the air,” the military says, adding that it will provide further details soon.

On sirens that sounded in the Carmel region, south of Haifa, the IDF says a long-range rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, which landed in an open area, causing no damage.

A Home Front Command officials notes that those in northern Israel being told to shelter do not need to sit in bomb shelters, but rather must simply lock themselves in their homes, recommending they also dim lights.

As the attacks ramp up, so must our prayers.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me
    to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

Psalm 27:1–3

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, 9:10 a.m. EST: “It’s not a war, it’s not a battlefield. It’s a massacre. You see the babies, the mother, the father, in their bedrooms, in their protection rooms, and how the terrorists killed them,” Maj. Gen. Itai Veruv of the IDF said.

Casualties continue to rise in Israel’s brutal war against Hamas. As of late last night, the death toll had risen to 1,200, and some 3,000 more have been injured. Fourteen of those who have died were American citizens. Additionally, the terrorists have murdered at least 40 infants in southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Gaza is suffering under Israel’s assault. The region’s only power plant recently ran out of fuel, forcing the inhabitants to rely on generators.

Also, the Israeli school system has announced its intention to switch to remote learning this Sunday, a move that will probably remind many of the 2020 lockdowns.

The situation is still far from over for Israel, and the Jewish people’s enemies only grow more bloodthirsty with each passing day. Hashem Salhab, a Hezbollah official, recently said: “The Zionist soldier and the Zionist settler must begin the countdown of the remaining days of their existence.”

We pray that this will not come to pass. We pray that God will protect His people from extinction, just as He has many times before. We pray that He will use this war to guide them to Christ and leave them stronger than ever before. We pray for a swift and decisive victory for Israel.

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, 3:30 p.m. EST:

Hamas in biblical Hebrew means “violence,” “injustice,” “cruelty,” and “wrong.” Jewish rabbis often teach the law of first mention, which means the first time a word appears in scripture, particularly Torah, we must take very careful consideration, as it is far more meaningful. The first time we find this word is in Genesis 6:11. Adonai is grieved to see all of mankind was replete with hamas, so He considers using the flood to wipe out the insatiable evil.  

Fox News reports that IDF found more than 40 babies killed by Hamas in one community. Some of the babies were beheaded.

Israeli forces clashed with Palestinian terrorists near the southern city of Sderot and the nearby Kibbutz Mefalsim, close to the Gaza border. The Israel Defense Forces report that 15 rockets were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel earlier today. The IDF says four projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defense system, while the rest landed in open areas, causing no damage or injuries.

Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday reduced parts of Gaza to rubble as the military massed troops on the border in response to the incursion by Hamas. Israel reports finding the bodies of over 1,500 Hamas terrorists.

Hamas called on young people in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which is partly governed by the Palestinian Authority, to confront Israeli soldiers. That opens the door to protests and possible clashes as the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip seeks to broaden the conflict. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are happening worldwide, including in New York City’s Times Square; in London at the Israel Embassy; and in Sydney, Australia.

These attacks were funded in part through crypto currency. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and their Lebanese ally Hezbollah received nearly $100 million in this manner.

Also today, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and called this an intifada, saying the Palestinians were “demanding an end to violations of their rights.” Putin blames the U.S. for the attacks.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Monday pressured Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen China’s statement on the attacks. Afterward, China condemned “all violence and attacks on civilians” and said “the most urgent task now is to reach a ceasefire and restore peace.”

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, 6:44 a.m. EST: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced five goals, which intercessors can pray about:

1. to purge the enemy from Israeli towns and communities and repel the entry of additional enemy combatants, a battle he said is still being waged;
2. to carry out a massive attack on Hamas of “unprecedented intensity”;
3. to fortify the other fronts, including on the northern border against Hezbollah, in Judea and Samaria, and within Israel;
4. to continue to strengthen international support “in order to preserve our field of action against our enemies”;
5. and to establish unity among the people.

Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, 5:30 p.m. EST: President Biden confirmed that at least 11 Americans have been killed in the attacks on Israel, and the number of kidnapped Americans is still unknown.

The president said in a statement:

“It’s heart wrenching. These families have been torn apart by inexcusable hatred and violence. We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts. My heart goes out to every family impacted by the horrible events of the past few days. The pain these families have endured, the enormity of their loss, and the agony of those still awaiting information is unfathomable.

“The safety of American citizens — whether at home or abroad — is my top priority as president. …

“This is not some distant tragedy. The ties between Israel and the United States run deep. It is personal for so many American families who are feeling the pain of this attack, as well as the scars inflicted through millennia of antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people.”

The Biden administration also warned Hezbollah to stay out of this war.

Sources indicate that this war may have an impact on negotiations within the Israeli government between political factions.

Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, 4:30 p.m. EST: Rabbi Schneider of Discovering the Jewish Jesus is currently in Israel with his wife. We received this email from him:

Shalom my beloved friends and partners. I just wanted to reach out to you. Some of you may know that Cynthia and I are in Israel. We’ve been in Jerusalem for about two and a half weeks, and you also know by now, most of you, that yesterday morning Israel was attacked from the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea. It’s a very serious situation. I know that we hear on the news of skirmishes that Israel is having all the time with Hamas and Hezbollah, but this is different. In fact, there’s not been an attack like this in the last 50 years. It happened exactly 50 years after they were attacked on Yom Kippur in 1973.

Cynthia and I were awoken yesterday morning by the sirens going off. Fortunately, we have a bomb shelter very close to where we’re at, and we were able to get over to the bomb shelter. We were going back and forth from the bomb shelter to our apartment here. We could hear some of the bombs going off, and on a few of them the ground was literally shaking. Israel has a system, a defense system, called the Iron Dome which protects and intercepts the missiles before they hit the ground. We could hear the missiles exploding overhead.

From talking to people who have been here in the land, who have grown up here in the land, this is different than anything they have experienced before. They are shaken by it. I’m just keeping my eyes on the Lord right now. Yeshua said, in Luke 21, that when these things happen, in other words, He described the events that would be happening on planet Earth before His return, He described nation rising against nation, and just a lot of the chaos we’ve been experiencing in the world over the last several years. He said when these things happen, look up, “for your redemption draweth nigh.” So, I’m looking up, my beloved friends, I’m trusting in God’s promises that He is with us even to the end; that regardless of what happens, God is with me. We’re strong in the Lord right now.

We do appreciate your prayers for God’s glory, for His Kingdom to come, for His will to be done. Here in the land, on Earth, even as it is in heaven. We lift up both Israel, the Israeli soldiers, the IDF, and we lift up all people as well. We lift up the Palestinians. And so, we say, “Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai.” Come back, we pray, Lord Jesus, and establish peace on Earth. Yeshua, You say You are “coming quickly and soon.” We say, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Love and Shalom,
Rabbi & Cynthia

Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, 11:30 a.m. EST: Iran is involved in Hamas’ attack on Israel, according to The Wall Street Journal:

“Iranian security officials helped plan Hamas’s Saturday surprise attack on Israel and gave the green light for the assault at a meeting in Beirut last Monday, according to senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah, another Iran-backed militant group.

“Officers of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had worked with Hamas since August to devise the air, land and sea incursions — the most significant breach of Israel’s borders since the 1973 Yom Kippur War — those people said.”

Iran clearly favors the Palestinians in this conflict, although Iran denies any participation in the attack. The U.S., meanwhile, seems to be withholding judgment. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said: “We have not yet seen evidence that Iran directed or was behind this particular attack, but there is certainly a long relationship.”

Meanwhile, there seems to be disagreement over Iran’s involvement even among Hamas itself. While some Hamas officials claim Iran helped plan Saturday’s deadly attack, others, such as senior official Mahmoud Mirdawi, claim that the Palestinians and Hamas planned the attack by themselves.

If Iran is found to be directly responsible for this attack, though, the war is likely only to grow, in scale and in the numbers of casualties. Israel has promised to attack Iran’s leadership if Tehran is proved to be responsible.

Given that there’s so much disagreement and confusion over Iran’s role, let’s pray earnestly for divine clarity. Pray that God would expose the truth about this attack so that all who were involved may face justice.

And of course, pray for peace in Israel.

Monday, Oct. 9, 2023: The death toll is now above 700 in the Hamas attack on Israel.

Pray for the preservation of life and for life eternal among the people of the region. May God miraculously use this tragedy to open blind eyes to the Messiah — Yeshua — and to His work of salvation that is available to all.

The Israeli air force continues its air strikes in Gaza, in the hope of disabling the Hamas attack capabilities.  The Times of Israel reports:

“Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs tweets: ‘The First Gaza War is planned to be the last one as well!’

“(Though there have been numerous brutal conflicts between Israel and the Strip, Fuchs appears to be signaling a different scale of battle, as Israel never before officially declared a state of war against Gaza as it has now.)

“Fuchs relates his meeting with his late grandfather after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, in which the latter told him ‘If al-Qaeda managed to carry out such an attack, they’ll take over the world.’

“ ‘I calmed him and told him it was a wake-up call and that such terror would be defeated.’ ”

Pray for the defeat of terror with a minimal loss of innocent life.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken is working to confirm reports of American citizens kidnapped by the Hamas terrorists. From The Times of Israel: 

“… Blinken told several US news outlets Sunday that the administration had information about a yet-unknown number of Americans killed or missing in Saturday’s unprecedented Hamas assault on southern Israel, which has resulted in over 600 people confirmed dead, over 2,100 injured and over 100 abducted into the Gaza Strip.

“Speaking on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ Blinken said: ‘We have reports that several Americans were killed. We are working overtime to verify that. There are reports of missing Americans.’

“Speaking later to NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ the US top diplomat said that ‘we have reports’ that several Americans are among the dead and kidnapped, but would not confirm. He added: ‘We are very actively working to verify those reports.’ ”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that the U.S. would move a carrier strike group closer to Israel and also deploy more fighter jets to the region. On X, Austin tweeted that Israel has the “ironclad” support of the U.S. Meanwhile, President Biden did speak to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu again on Sunday.

Let’s intercede for Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin, the Joint Chiefs, all their staff members, and the heads of every U.S. military branch. Pray fervently that God would direct and give them divine wisdom in every decision. Ask the Lord to give us His specific prayers from the Holy Spirit for the U.S. leadership at this critical time.

Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, evening: The death toll has exceeded 600. Israel National News is reporting that Defense Minister Benny Gantz has warned about the future of the nation of Israel, revealing that threats were received through WhatsApp last week. In light of the threats, the invasion, and the attacks, Gantz warns that Israel may be reduced to the geographic area in the center of the nation.

The threatening messages included this:

“Continue to curse, you have no chance against Allah. Slowly slowly we are eating away at your country. We have land in the Negev that is the size of Gush Dan (central Israel -ed.), which is filled with tin shacks with little Bedouin children. What are you going to do? This is Palestinian land, essentially, and the moment a single tractor comes – we will use the leftist organizations such as ‘Peace Now’ and ‘B’tselem,’ which will turn to the real ruler of the country (the Supreme Court) to issue a cease and desist order. We will send children and youths to throw stones and barricade themselves at the scene until you run like mice from the area. …

“The Galilee, with Allah’s help, will also be ours soon. We are buying a dunam for 50,000 shekel from the Administration, while the Jews pay 1,150,000 shekel. Already today we are 85% of the Galilee’s population, and we are taking over at a fast pace, building homes in every corner without permits. Why, who will bother us? The Jews who live in the Galilee – they are all running to the center of the country. Why? They suffer from harassment, violence on the roads, extortion, shootings, thefts, and bribery.”

These messages remind us of the story in 2 Kings 18, in which Sennacherib sends threatening messages to King Hezekiah. We learn how that king responded in 2 Kings 19:1: When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. Let’s pray that the leaders of Israel will go straight to God for help and guidance.

Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023: The UN Security Council will meet today to discuss the war in Israel. Major airlines have canceled all flights in Israel. You can read details about the chaos and horror of the invasion here. If you would like a deep dive explanation of what Hamas is, go here.

We must continue to pray for the release of the hostages, and that they would cry out to God in their time of need.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised: “We will take mighty vengeance for this dark day.” Let’s pray for him to lead like King David at his best, looking to God for guidance and direction as well as understanding this truth from the Torah: “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Please post your insights and prayers in the comments section.

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023: In the wake of the Hamas attack, Prime Minister Netanyahu made the following statement this afternoon at a Security Cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv:

“Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore the security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked.

“The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war.

“We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal — victory in the war.”

IFA brings you the following report from David’s Tent about the attack on Israel that has led that nation to declare war. Intercessors will want to know that this is the anniversary of the Yom Kippur War (and also the birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin). Post your prayers below for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122).

From David’s Tent. At approximately 06:30 am Israeli time, on a quiet Shabbat morning, we were awakened by the repeating wailing of air raid sirens. For the past four hours the Islamist terror group Hamas has been firing rockets across southern Israel (Beersheva, Arad, Dimona, Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod, etc.) and also at the Greater Tel Aviv area and at the outlying suburbs of Jerusalem.

Though the Iron Dome anti-rocket defenses have managed to stop most of the rockets, some of landed. A 60 year old woman was murdered by a direct hit; some are moderately wounded.

Simultaneously, at least ten white pickup trucks driven by Hamas suicide squad jihadis crossed into Israel (as well as some on ultra-light single-place powered parachutists) and attacked approximately 21 sites, including kibbutzim and moshavim (farms), small towns (including police stations). They have been slaughtering civilians, including mothers and children, breaking into houses and indiscriminately killing the inhabitants. We have friends who have terrorists in their house as I write.

At least five IDF soldiers have been kidnapped and spirited away to Gaza. A Hummer armored vehicle most likely belonging to them has been paraded in the streets of Gaza — shades of 2 Samuel 1:20: “Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, Or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, The daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate.” There are sketchy details of at least 35 others kidnapped. Scores of IDF soldiers have been murdered. Over 80 casualties have been brought to Beersheva’s Soroka hospital, and other figures quote 150 wounded. The situation of the ground is quite fluid.

At the moment of this writing, there are still many active sites of military confrontation between terrorist gangs and Israeli citizens/the IDF — 21 sites was the figure Israel’s Chief of Police mentioned thirty minutes ago. Islamic Jihad has joined in the hostilities against Israel in the last hour.

(From David’s Tent reports.)

Here is a video from Tikkun Global:

A brief summary of this video:

1. Hamas is on a suicidal mission based on its apocalyptic views of the future: The terrorist organization believes there must be chaos and war so that the Mahdi (a messianic “guided one”) can come to earth and bring peace.

2. The aftermath of this war could bring disunity within the Israeli government — accusations and counteraccusations over who is at fault and why the country was caught unprepared.

3. The taking of Israeli hostages could force Israel to do a ground operation into Gaza, which could cause widespread psychological pressures among many.

4. Some say this happened because recent divisions in Israel have led enemies to believe that Israel is weak, making this a good time to attack.

5. The attack could also have been intended to disrupt recent moves toward a peace treaty between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Such a treaty would help Saudi Arabia resist Iran and its jihadist government, which is funding Palestinian terrorists.

6. Many also see Iran’s hand in all this, because they view the attack as too big a move for Hamas to handle on its own. The Hamas terrorists are submitted to and receive funding from Tehran.

7. Above all, this crisis is spiritual: Our battle is not against flesh and blood. Tikkun Global, the video’s producer, denies being primarily political — pro-Jewish and anti-Arab. This is a spiritual battle, the ministry insists, saying:

• We pray for victory, which is more followers of Yeshua. He is not just the sacrificial lamb, but he is also the commander-in-chief of the armies of Heaven.
• Pray that the outcome of the war will be good.
• Pray correctly and strongly for good results, whether it’s people repenting, Arabs and Jews uniting, humbling ourselves. Maybe this will result in revival. Ultimate victory is not military, but people receiving life in Yeshua, both Arabs and Jews.
• Lift our Messianic Jews and our Arab Christian brothers and sisters up in prayer.

There are probably more people praying for Israel now than at any other time in its history. Let’s believe God for a good outcome.

IFA received the following from a believing friend in Israel:

Shalom, dear ones! A war has broken out in Israel. Unfortunately… From 6.30 there was shelling and terrorists entered Israeli territory. Many cities have been shelled, there have been hits, fires… Explosions, fighting in several cities: Sderot, Netivot, Ashkelon… in many small settlements… Hostages were taken, 5 military, and civilians. Civilians shot… More than 1,000 missiles have been fired since the morning. This is the official message. It is recommended that no one go outside. Because it is not known how far the terrorists could have penetrated. There are real battles in the south of Israel. My friend’s niece lives in Sderot. She sits with her 12 year old daughter in a fortified room with a knife in her hand. He hears explosions and machine gun fire… This is a believing family. Also in the same city is our friend Pastor Mikhail. I wrote to him, our pastor called him… right in front of their house, terrorists shot a family of 6 people (women and children).

We pray… There has not been such a full-scale invasion of Israel since at least the Yom Kippur War. By the way, this is the anniversary… And by the way, it’s Putin’s birthday. And Russia funds the Palestinian Authority… one can draw conclusions... We pray…

Our friends in Beersheva ask us to please pray as the Psalmist did: Arise, LORD, confront him, make him bow down; Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword (Psalm 17:13 NASB).

Intercessors, let’s pray for the defeat of the terrorists invading Israel; entreat the Lord to rescue the Israelis who are under siege and those who’ve been kidnapped; pray for the wounded and for the families of the slain; ask our God to give divine wisdom to all of Israel’s leaders; pray that IDF commanders might devise effective strategies; and implore the Lord to empower and shield the Israeli troops and to grant them victory.

HOW ARE YOU PRAYING FOR ISRAEL TODAY? Share below your scriptures and prayer strategies.