Christians are expressing their strong disapproval of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, where militants have taken soldiers and civilians hostage.
On Saturday, there were over 2,000 rocket launches by Hamas, resulting in reports of at least 250 Israelis being killed and over 1,500 injured. A terrorist group has attacked 22 communities where there is ongoing fighting, and this continued into Saturday evening local time.
According to reports, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 230 lives. Hamas is holding an unknown number of Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage, as confirmed by the IDF. President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House on Saturday afternoon, expressing his unwavering support for Israel and emphasizing that the United States stands firmly by their side. The president made these comments in response to criticism from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who expressed his disapproval of the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs for posting a message on social media asking Israel to avoid retaliatory attacks.
The Christian community has expressed their condemnation of a major attack by Hamas on Israel, which has led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that they are now at war. The attack involved thousands of missiles being launched from the Gaza Strip, targeting Israel through various means such as land, sea, and air.
This surprise attack took place early on Saturday morning and resulted in the death of at least 70 civilians, with hundreds more injured and receiving treatment in hospitals.
In response, Israel has carried out airstrikes on Gaza. According to Israeli officials, these airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 161 people and nearly 1,000 injuries. Additionally, Palestinian militants have taken several Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage. Hamas claims to have abducted 53 Israelis, as reported by the BBC.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and calling for restraint on both sides.
“We are grieved and deeply concerned at the violence in Israel and Gaza, and we unequivocally condemn the attacks by Hamas,” they said.
“We pray for those who are mourning, those who are injured, and all those fearing for their safety.
“We pray for restraint on all sides, and renewed efforts towards a just peace for all. The way forward must be for both sides to build confidence in a secure future through which Israel and its people can live in security within its internationally recognized borders, and Palestinians have their own state and live in their lands in security, and with peace and justice.” Unmute
The Rev. Johnnie Moore said his organization, the Congress of Christian Leaders, has issued an emergency call to prayer “for the peace and security of Israel.”
“Churches all over the world will gather this weekend standing with Israel and dedicating time to pray for Israel,” he said.
Philosopher and Anglican theologian Phillip Blond said on X, formerly Twitter, “Islamism once again deliberately massacring civilians — this time in Israel — where they are roaming the streets killing women and children with knives and guns — glorifying in their brutality as they torture, maim and kill. This is what we all must fight for it is manifest evil.”
The Rev. Marcus Walker of Save the Parish, wrote on X, “The atrocities unfolding in Israel are horrific. O prayer for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.”
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