By: Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ President

The nation of Israel is still in shock over yesterday’s mass invasion of Hamas terrorists from Gaza on a quiet Shabbat morning marking the Jewish high holy day of Simchat Torah. Hundreds of terrorists poured through a number of breaches in the Gaza border crossings and fences and laid siege to some 25 Israeli communities, as well as a large crowd gathered for an outdoor music festival in a forest near the border. There are still ongoing gun battles between the IDF and Hamas militiamen in several kibbutzim, and the IDF has yet to regain full control over the entire border area. Meanwhile, Hamas also has fired over 5,000 rockets into Israel over the past 36 hours, injuring hundreds of civilians and damaging many homes and apartments.

The toll of carnage has now surpassed 600 Israelis dead and over 2,000 wounded, while at least 150 Israelis are believed to be held hostage in Gaza. Hundreds more are still missing and unaccounted for, but there was some good news this afternoon as several hundred people who fled the music festival near Re’im were found hiding in a water culvert and are being brought to safety.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “dark day,” and indeed yesterday may turn out to be the highest number of Israeli casualties in a single day in the nation’s modern history. He also vowed that Israeli forces will eliminate the threat posed by Hamas in Gaza. IDF troops have been mobilized and are massing on the border for a major incursion into Gaza, even as Israeli leaders keep an eye on the northern border, where Hizbullah is poised to join the fight from Lebanon. Both terror militias warned of an escalation as of 6:00 PM Israel time this evening.

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ICEJ Condemns Massive Hamas Terror Assault on Israeli Civilians

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem completely condemns the treacherous mass assault by Hamas terrorists on Israeli civilians launched on the high holy day of Simchat Torah. We resolutely stand with the nation and people of Israel in their just cause to vanquish this intolerable threat from their borders, and mourn with them over the loss of so many innocent lives taken in such a sudden and brutal fashion.

“As the full extent of the carnage wrought by Hamas terrorists emerges, it is clear that this well-planned, Iranian-backed operation was not launched due to grievances over the Israeli ‘occupation’ or any real dangers to the al-Aqsa mosque. Rather, it was driven by the ancient “Spirit of Amalek”, which has always targeted Jewish women and children, and the old and weak and feeble of Israel. So, we rise up to confront and expose this hideous reality and to denounce any attempt to justify these heinous acts of Palestinian bloodlust against the Jewish people and nation,” said ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler.

The ICEJ and its global network of national offices are committed to standing with Israel in this critical hour through prevailing prayer, urgent financial assistance, and public advocacy of Israel’s right and duty to defend its citizens.

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Prayer Points

We urge all Christians to be praying as follows:

1)  Pray for the safe return of all hostages being held in Gaza and on Israeli territory. There are believed to be at least 100 hostages in the hands of Hamas, and their safe release is a priority. There are hopeful reports today that some hostages have been freed both in Israel and Gaza, but more miraculous intervention from heaven is needed.

2) Pray for wisdom, unity and resolve among Israeli leaders to make the best decisions for the nation in confronting and crushing Hamas, Hizbullah and other Iranian-backed terror militias threatening Israel.

3) Pray for strength and a fighting spirit to infuse all the Israeli military.

4) Pray for God’s mighty hand of restraint against Hizbullah in Lebanon.

5) Pray that the Lord would shut every lying tongue which would seek to justify this violence and carnage against Israel and the Jewish people.

6) Pray that all Israelis, both in the Land and abroad, will be shielded from any harm and lone-wolf assignments arising from within the Arab and Muslim communities.

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Urgent Appeal for Israel

The ICEJ continues our urgent appeal for Christians worldwide to stand with Israel at this time of war and crisis by providing financial assistance for the most immediate needs arising out of this conflict. We are consulting with our long-term Israeli partners – both in the Gaza border area and nationally – and the following needs will be given first priority:

1) Evacuation of Israeli residents and recently arrived immigrants from the Gaza border areas to safer respite centers elsewhere in the country.

2) Providing food packages to families who lost their homes or were evacuated from their communities.

3) Basic needs and first response aid, including medical and trauma care.

4) More mobile bomb shelters, which are especially needed to protect areas not covered by Iron Dome. We are ordering five new shelters and ask for your help for us to provide more as soon as possible. Donate today at: give.icej.org/crisis