Responding To Terrorist Attack, Israel Declares War On Hamas
Written by on October 10, 2023
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
‘May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!’
For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good” (Psalm 122:6-9).
The state of Israel has been attacked by the jihad terrorist organization known as Hamas. In response, Israel has declared war on Hamas.
“Hamas” is an acronym for the Arabic phrase Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which means “Islamic Resistance Movement.” The organization is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Supported by Iran, Hamas is known for using human shields and taking hostages; it candidly acknowledges that it seeks to demolish the state of Israel. Hamas operates as the ruling political party in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian-controlled territory on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea that has 2.3 million inhabitants. The Gaza Strip borders Israel and Egypt. Israel vacated the Gaza Strip in 2005, but has maintained a blockade that limits access to the territory. Hamas regularly launches rocket attacks into Israel from the Gaza Strip.
On October 7, 2023, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas launched a surprise land, air, and sea attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. Bulldozers were used to break through border fences; the attackers used motorcycles to enter Israel on land, motorized paragliders to enter Israel through the air, and motorboats to invade Israel from the Mediterranean Sea. Hamas terrorists killed Israeli civilians in the streets, in their homes, and at a music festival; some, including babies, were decapitated. Furthermore, Hamas has taken more than 100 Israeli hostages and is threatening to take their lives if its demands are not met. According to ABC News, as of October 10, nine hundred Israelis had lost their lives and another 2,500 had been injured. Fourteen Americans have been killed by Hamas, and American hostages have been taken as well.
In response to the attack, Israel has commenced Operation Iron Swords. Israel has launched missiles and air strikes into the Gaza Strip and has cut off access to electricity there. ABC News reports that at least 900 Palestinians have died and another 4,500 have been injured.
President Joe Biden has condemned the Hamas attack, stating the following: “‘Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.’”
Jason J. McGuire, president of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, commented: “The hearts of Christians ache whenever we hear of the horrors of war. The recent Hamas attack on Israel does not just inspire grief and sadness, however; it inspires outrage. These acts of terrorism were launched on a religious holiday. There was no warning and no apparent provocation. Civilians were targeted, hostages were taken, and the terrorists engaged in despicable acts of evil and calloused brutality. Christians—and all Americans—must stand with Israel, and against the antisemitism rearing its ugly head.”
McGuire continued, “In addition to praying for peace, for justice, for the wounded, for the bereaved, for those who are providing humanitarian aid, and for those in authority, Christians should seek opportunities to bless and assist those who are suffering in the midst of the Israel-Hamas War. Christians should also pray that every person touched by this grievous war would experience God in a new way. Lamentations 3:25 says, ‘The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.’”
Family Policy Alliance has scheduled a Prayer & Update Call for Israel. Featuring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Joel Rosenberg, the call is scheduled for October 11, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Central / 12:30 p.m. Mountain / 11:30 a.m. Pacific). Click here to register.
According to FPA, “Gov. DeSantis and Joel Rosenberg will be providing updates on the evolving status on the ground in Israel, as well as efforts on behalf of Americans—especially family and friends of Floridians—who are currently in Israel. They will be joined by Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship as well as leaders of our state-based Family Policy Council allies who will offer prayers for Israel and those impacted by the terrorist attacks that continue there.”
