Israelis in Tel Aviv look at a car damaged as a result of a long range missile fired from Gaza. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted it and prevented more devastating consequences.
According to Israel Defense Force (IDF) communications, there are approximately 10,000 rockets owned by terror groups in the tiny Gaza Strip. Of those 10,000, Hamas has approximately 6,000 rockets in their arsenal. Almost the entire nation of Israel is threatened by the various ranged missiles aimed at them. By far the largest number of weapons Hamas possesses fall into the short-range category, able to strike 15-20 km from where they are launched. However, they have plenty of fire power to reach much deeper into Israel, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv included.
Hamas stockpile of rockets
The IDF breaks it down this way: Missiles Type Approximate Range 3,900 Short Range 9-13 miles 1,200 Medium Range 28 miles 400-500 Med-Long Range 50 miles “Tens” Long Range 62-124 miles
“More than half a million Israelis have less than 60 seconds to find shelter after a rocket is launched from Gaza into Israel,” says the IDF. “Many have only 15 seconds.” The number of rockets launched at Israel since July 1st is more than 470, and counting.
The contrast is undeniable
Hamas is not aiming at military targets. They are randomly firing into Israeli towns and cities. And they are firing from civilian settings in Gaza, knowing full well that Israel will seek to take out their launch sites. They do not abide by the international conventions of war. It seems that not only do they not care that they are targeting Israeli citizens rather than military targets, it is evident that they have little regard for their own families who they are using as human shields. IDF has discovered Palestinian graphics that encourage Gaza citizens to stand on their rooftops in the face of incoming air attacks from Israel.
Israel, on the other hand, is sending telephone calls and text messages to Gaza citizens in imminent danger of impending air strikes, reports the New York Times. Confirmed accounts also provide details that despite the incoming rocket fire, Israel has not stopped supply trucks from entering Gaza with food and basic supplies. Nor have they taken other standard measures of war such as shutting off electrical power to Gaza. Their generous humanitarian efforts extend even to the enemy.
The contrast is undeniable.
3:00 a.m. in Israel
Please continue to pray for the violent situation in Israel and Gaza and the individuals – loved by God – who are enduring the fear and dangers. Right now in Israel, it is 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. Can anyone be sleeping in Southern Israel?
Please pray for the vulnerable, for protection, comfort, and peace. Pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders, and for God’s intervention to bring about peace. As always, pray for the hearts of individuals – on both sides of the border – to come to know the Savior of all mankind, Yeshua Messiah.
Sources: IDF, NYTimes
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