GNITN – Special Edition

Israel At War – Day 38
Standing Up for Israel

Hostages Held At Hospital

As the IDF continues to take over territory in Gaza held by Hamas, there is evidence that hostages may have been help in one of the hospitals in the area. We read more about this in an i24news.tv report (see https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1699910490-idf-spokesperson-says-evidence-shows-israeli-hostages-were-held-at-al-rantisi-hospital-in-gaza) :

During an English-language press conference, Hagari shared detailed insights into the IDF's operation, revealing the discovery of a Hamas command and control center situated in the basement of Al-Rantisi Hospital in Gaza.

The cache of items found in the IDF's search of the hospital included suicide-bomb vests, grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, explosive devices, RPGs, computers, and currency.

There were also signs indicating the possible use of the hospital to hold hostages—a matter currently under investigation, with ongoing efforts to verify intelligence.

Hagari emphasized that the IDF's actions were specifically targeted against Hamas and not directed at the broader civilian population, especially the vulnerable—namely, the sick, women, and children.

The restraints put on the IDF as they control more and more area in Gaza is really hindering the pace of the war, but Israel is doing it to keep the moral support from the world. I believe that at some point the supporters of Palestinians will get impatient and take advantage of these restrictions. I do hope I’m wrong, however in previous wars on Israel such impatience usually happens.

Not All Rallies Are Against Israel

We have talked about so many protests that decry Israel and their treatment of Palestinians, but there are rallies that show support for the nation and also want the hostages to be released without any other conditions. Here is a report on one such rally near the Jerusalem offices of the United Nations from The Times Of Israel (see https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-november-13-2023/) :

Several hundred demonstrators hold a rally for the release of those held captive in Gaza near the main UN offices in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem.

During the protest, Pascal Soto, the top official of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, comes outside to speak to the crowd.

“I’m touched to be the one receiving you,” says Soto. “I’ve been in Israel for a long time now. I cannot imagine the fear and pain of the hostages and the relatives, your pain and your fear.”

A representative from the group hands over a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Soto says the UN secretary-general has, since October 7, consistently called for the unconditional release of the roughly 240 hostages in captivity in Gaza.

Pro-Israel rallies happened in Paris, India, and one is scheduled for tomorrow in Washington, DC.

Lebanon Is Getting Closer To War

According to a post by Amir Tsarfati on Telegram, Lebanon could be ready to escalate its attacks on Israel in the north:

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force:

"The war has expanded, and Lebanon is involved. It is possible that the scope of conflict to extend even further. Future is unclear, but Iran is ready for all conditions."

These comments follow one of the toughest days on the border yesterday, and escalations continuing today.

Lebanon is edging closer and closer to war.

Daily attacks from Hezbollah continue and as I said above, what was once a distraction is turning into much more than that. For its part, the IDF has stated over and over again, they are fully prepared to handle such a turn of events.

Hamas Has Lost Control Of Gaza

So says Yoav Gallant, the Israel Defense Minister in this report from i24news.tv (see https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1699905666-hamas-has-lost-control-of-gaza-israeli-defense-minister-says) :

Galant stated, "There is no power of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing to every point. The Hamas organization has lost control of Gaza, terrorists are fleeing south, civilians are looting Hamas bases, they have no confidence in the government."

Defense Minister Yoav Galant highlighted the significant progress of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in their ongoing operations in Gaza.

The minister emphasized the precision, lethality, and coordination displayed by the air, sea, and land forces, utilizing accurate intelligence to execute their missions.

The Defense Minister expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the IDF's strategy, stating that the forces are advancing and achieving their objectives. He emphasized the success of increased pressure, leading to the elimination of numerous Hamas commanders and terrorists daily. The IDF has reached the center of Gaza City and continues to operate based on strategic considerations.

Gallant as added this concerning the terrorist tunnels:

In response to recent developments, Galant highlighted the intensified efforts against tunnels, aiming to force terrorists out of hiding. He asserted, "This will get the terrorists out of the tunnels, and there either they will be eliminated or they will surrender unconditionally, there is no third option."

"We work according to tasks, we don't have watches, we have goals," declared Galant. "We will achieve our goals, first of all, a complete victory over Hamas and the return of the kidnapped to their homes."

As Long As It Takes

That is what we keep hearing from the IDF and it does reflect a great resolve to rid Israel from the threat of terrorism once and for all. And while we hear a lot about Gaza and Hamas, we also must keep the West Bank in our prayers as well. I will not go back to the prayer list I referenced yesterday to give us further areas to interceded for Israel:

Lord, make Israel's war against Arab terrorists in Judea and Samaria hugely successful, helping them to capture or kill Hamas members and other terrorists who are entrenched there (Zech. 9:14-15; 12:6).

Cleanse Your land of all those who are Your enemies, and the enemies of Your people (Psa. 10:16).

Release massive confusion and an unquenchable fear into the minds of all Palestinian terrorists who detest Your chosen nation (Ex. 23:27; Psa. 35:4, 26; 71:24).

Use our prayers as trumpets and let the enemy destroy each other (Num. 10:9; Judg. 7:21-22). Bring to light every evil that is being planned, and let it be thwarted (Job 24:16; John 3:20).

Lord, raise up in Israel's government and military Sons of Zion who fear and honor You (Psa. 64:9; 118:6; Hos. 3:5), and remove all Sons of Greece, those who fear man (Prov. 29:25; Zech. 9:13).

Provide each government and military leader with sons of Zion and sons of Issachar as their advisors and make them actually pay attention to what these advisors say (1 Chr. 12:32; Prov. 20:18; 24:6).

Keep Israel's political and military leaders' in unity at this time (Amos 3:3).

Train all civilian security personnel to be prepared and able to guard the communities to which they are assigned – both in Judea and Samaria as well as in the rest of the nation (Psa. 18:34; 144:1).

Protect Israel from any cyberattacks and all dis- and misinformation (Psa. 101:7).

Continue to speak to Your people out of Genesis 24:7 in the Torah portion that You "YHWH, God of heaven," have actually sworn to give all of this land to Abraham and his seed.