Brief Update – 19:50 (7:50 p.m.)

The pictures are difficult to see. Terrorists breaking through the barrier and arriving by multitudes in pick-up trucks, motor bikes, kites and on foot, showing victory signs. An Armored Personnel Carrier was destroyed by them on their way to the various communities in the south. Other terrorists succeeded to steal a vehicle belonging to the Border Police. Residents are being warned not to pay attention to those in a Border Police vehicle, because there is a concern that they are masquerading as Israelis.

The I.D.F. moved into action and is still slowly working its way through the 22 communities around the Gaza Strip to restore Israeli control over the area. Heavy fighting was reported in some of the areas. In one settlement, Hamas is holding 50 residents hostage in the community dining room. Attempts at negotiation to free them are ongoing for hours. In the meantime, the terrorists also managed to steal other I.D.F. vehicles and are trying to get into the heart of Israel, disguised as members of the I.D.F. The streets (at least in this area and in many other locations) are without traffic, almost like a repeat of the Day of Atonement.

However, there are confirmed reports of at least 100 people having been killed by terrorist activity and over 1,000 who are wounded and are being treated in hospitals around the country. Nightfall has descended, making the search for terrorsts more difficult. But, so far, over 250 terrorists are reported to have been killed by the I.D.F. The Spokesman for the I.D.F. confirmed that Hamas kidnapped members of the I.D.F., as well as civilians, men, women and children – a clear war crime and took them to Gaza. 

Attempts are being made by different countries to bring about a “cease fire”. If ever there was a time for Israel not to agree to a cease fire, this is the time. Television photos show that antennas are still operating and allowing communication in and out of Gaza, electricity is still functioning, water is still flowing and multi-story buildings are still standing. Our government has said that we are at war. That being the case, then we should act like we’re at war and do what is necessary to be victorious and to restore Israeli control over all areas – all areas, to bring the captives home safe and unharmed and to make sure that this situation will not and cannot happen again. We need to stop thinking what the world community says about us. No matter what we do, the world won’t love us and we shouldn’t seek the world’s favor. 

It’s time to stop playing politics and to get the job done!

Thanks for your continued prayers.