As new developments emerge from the continued war in the Middle East, controversy and political uproar over military force, along with Israel's recent decision to ban UNRWA, is not settling well among the nations. Essentially, cutting off aid and supplies for Palestinian civilians (which was decided due to it being overrun by Hamas) is putting Israel under scrutiny, causing global leaders to hastily speak out (The Pour Over).
According to Politico, "Many countries, including Belgium, said that Israel's decision rejects the United Nations General Assembly mandate granted to UNRWA. The foreign ministry said Monday that it "deeply regrets the anti-UNRWA laws" passed by Israel as they are "in direct breach of Israel's obligations under international law."
The U.K. is "gravely concerned," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "UNRWA does life-saving work," said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday, adding that her government opposes the Israeli Knesset's decision to "severely restrict" the agency's operations (Politico).
While there are efforts underway to halt hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, who named Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new leader this past Tuesday after an Israeli strike killed over 90 Palestinian civilians, U.S. officials are organizing a 60-day ceasefire (The Times of Israel). Currently, Sheikh Naim Kassem, who has been with the terror group since its start in 1982, is hiding to avoid the same fate as the two previous leaders (CBN).
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant claims the Iranian-backed Hezbollah's rocket supply has been reduced to just 20 percent of what it was before the start of this war on October 7th, 2023, with Hamas' attack. According to CBN, this leaves the defense team divided on how to proceed forward as some are ready to end this war on Lebanon while others are looking to eliminate the threat to Israel's northern border.
That said, Israel is not backing down and has become active on all fronts! As details and catastrophic scenes that capture our attention and break our hearts continue to stream in, let's take a moment to pray for peace and for God to protect His people.
Father God, we humbly come before you with heavy hearts as our world faces adversity and continues to battle on in fierce wages of war. We ask that You protect Your people of Israel as well as innocent civilians caught in the crossfires. If it is Your will, please bring about a means to end this war and restore peace onto Your holy land. We desperately need the hope that only You can give. Soften the hearts of those in need of Your mercy and grace, and help us be a people that bring Your love to a lost and hurting world. Amen.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:8-10
Photo Credit:©YouTube/New York Post
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.