Current Events & Trends: The Israeli-Hamas fight continues

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The Israeli-Hamas fight continues

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Almost 2,000 people died after Hamas terrorists murdered three Israeli teens and began launching thousands of rockets at Israeli cities and towns. Israel responded with an intense campaign to destroy rockets, launch sites and tunnels throughout Gaza.

Hamas regularly sets up its rocket launchers in heavily populated areas, which led to devastating civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the TV program Fox News Sunday, "We are using missile defense to protect our civilians, and they're using their civilians to protect their missiles" (July 13, 2014). Hamas even ordered Palestinian civilians back to their homes after Israeli warnings to evacuate prior to bombings—on threat of punishment for collaborating with Israel.

The severe Israeli response didn't stifle Hamas' aggression. The Economist reported that "despite being besieged and the rising death toll, Hamas and fellow Islamists show no sign of changing course. They continue to launch . . . rockets at Israel every day, targeting towns and cities from south to north" ("Israel and Gaza: The Bloodshed Continues," July 21, 2014).  

Six truces quickly broke down. Both Israeli and Gazan citizens adjusted to living in constant fear of sudden violence from above. Despite best intentions and efforts, peace will continue to be elusive. In fact, Bible prophecy reveals that human-established peace in the Middle East is impossible.

There is only one solution to the bloodshed and hatred in the Middle East, and it is not in politics or military might. It is in the return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings. His rule will bring about peace by removing the human governments that simply cannot find peace of their own accord (Revelation 11:15). As we pray for that Kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10), we should realize that peace and a cessation of suffering will be products of God's Kingdom and not mere human efforts. (Sources: The Economist, Financial Times.)