December 22nd, 2023 | Messianic World Update | Current Situation in Gaza Strip & Middle East
Shalom everyone!
Monte Judah here with Lion and Lamb Ministries. Welcome to another edition of Messianic World Update. Today’s date is Friday, December 22nd, 2023, and I want to shed light on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and provide an update on the latest developments.
The fighting in the Gaza Strip continues to escalate, with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) engaging in intense battles both above and below ground in their efforts to combat Hamas terrorists. Unfortunately, the toll on Israeli soldiers has been devastating, with over 130 casualties reported. Shockingly, more than 20 percent of these casualties are a result of friendly fire incidents.
It is deeply disheartening to witness the loss of IDF soldiers due to accidents, incidents, or miscommunication. The IDF, however, remains determined in its mission to neutralize the tunnel network and has achieved significant success in destroying the tunnels throughout the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Efforts are now focused on eliminating the remaining tunnels in the southern region.
While the primary goal for Israel is to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, there seems to be a misconception among some Israeli citizens. They perceive the prioritization of eliminating Hamas as more important than securing the safe return of the hostages. This disparity in perception has led to calls for a change in government philosophy from the families of those still held captive in Gaza.
However, it is crucial to recognize that Israel is making every effort to secure the release of the hostages. Recent hopes for a negotiated release of 40 hostages and a temporary ceasefire were dashed when Hamas insisted on a ceasefire before engaging in any negotiations. It is impossible for Israel to agree to a ceasefire without a firm commitment to release the hostages. The situation remains complex, and an operational shift is imminent.
Notably, pressure is mounting from the U.S. on the IDF to modify their tactics and approaches. The exact nature and implications of these potential changes are yet to be revealed. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The UN aid program, which was intended to provide assistance to civilians, has proven to be a disaster. Aid meant for the people of Gaza has been hijacked by Hamas operatives, exacerbating the suffering of the local population. Israel has expressed willingness to allow additional aid, but the chaotic situation within Gaza prevents effective distribution.
It is important, however, to approach reports of mass starvation in Gaza with caution. The Palestinian Health Agency, controlled by Hamas, has a track record of inflating and distorting information. While there are international news reports highlighting the lack of water and food, the accuracy of these claims remains uncertain. Regrettably, the casualties among Hamas terrorists, estimated to be around 10,000, go unreported. The media's focus on strategically-placed footage, often showing women and children, paints a skewed picture of the reality on the ground.
The emotional toll on the families of the Israeli hostages is reaching extreme levels of grief and despair. It is only natural for these families to turn their frustration toward the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu. They express frustration, believing that the government is not doing enough to secure the release of their loved ones. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the IDF is fully committed to the mission, and the accidental loss of lives is an unfortunate consequence of the intense fighting.
The situation in the region is further complicated by the biased narratives perpetuated by the Western media. The inflated Palestinian death toll and the portrayal of Israel's actions as indiscriminate are examples of the one-sided coverage. Anti-Israel protests, which are often misinformed and lacking historical context, are given undue attention, falsely equating the actions of Hamas with those of Israel.
Meanwhile, in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Houthi rebels pose a significant threat to civilian ships. The U.S. has organized an international flotilla to protect these vessels, but the situation demands a more decisive response. By allowing the Houthi rebels to disrupt shipping routes, major economic consequences loom for Europe and Asia. It is imperative for the United States to take proactive measures to maintain the free sea lanes and protect global economic stability.
In the midst of these evolving crises, troubling reports have surfaced regarding China's intentions. During President Xi's recent visit to the United States, he conveyed to President Biden that China has plans to forcefully reunify with Taiwan in the near future. This development poses a significant challenge for the U.S., which is currently preoccupied with various global issues, including Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and China. The strategic direction and competency of the current U.S. administration are subjects of concern.
As we enter the holiday season, it is disheartening to acknowledge the absence of peace and goodwill in the Middle East. Our prayers go out to all those affected by the ongoing conflicts.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you.