After Hostage Negotiations Fail, Israel Pushed Military into Rafah

While Israel works diligently to evacuate Gaza civilians to shelter, they continue to be attacked by Hamas. Over 300,000 civilians have fled to safety. Israel has now evacuated the eastern third of Rafah.

Israel is resolute in dismantling Hamas and getting the hostages returned that were taken from Israel in the Oct. 7th attack that sparked the war.

The U.S. had committed funding for weapons to Israel but has now withheld this offer.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Memorial Day speech vowed to continue fighting until victory is achieved, in memory of those killed in the war. But in Tel Aviv, hundreds of protesters stood outside military headquarters and raised candles during a minute-long siren marking the day's start, demanding an immediate cease-fire deal to return the hostages.

The Oct. 7 attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 250 hostage. Militants still hold about 100 captives and the remains of more than 30. It is amazing that the world forgets about how this war began and yet plans to present a case for genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Please pray that there are hostages still alive and that they are treated well. Pray for victory in Rafah so this war can soon end. Pray for the world to understand that Israel has a right to defend itself and to continue to fight for their hostages to be returned.