Today marks one year since the war began

Rebecca Kim

Member of the Middle East and Arab Studies Association

<Israel>

Memorial events and protests were held across Israel today, marking the first anniversary of the war. Across the country, memorial sirens sounded for two minutes to mark the 6:29 a.m. raid that started the war last year. Across the city, symbols of hope for an end to the war were displayed in the streets, while others called on the government to return the remaining hostages. Hundreds of hostage families gathered outside the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem for a memorial service and protest.

Reports from Tel Aviv indicate that Israelis are feeling depressed, frustrated, and angry as the war enters its second year, even though their lives have ostensibly returned to normal. With hostages still being held and many families mobilized into the army, they are forced to live with the sounds of war. The uncertainty of the future has cast a dark shadow over every aspect of daily life, and there have been a series of stabbings and other attacks across the city that have increased the sense of insecurity.

Israel is expanding its front beyond Gaza into Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, and even into Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We are fighting a war in seven places: Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank of the Jordan River, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and Syria."

<Gaza & Lebanon>

One year after the war broke out, the shelling hasn't stopped. "I have left Rafah 12 times since the war started last year. I am wandering the streets without a home. I don't know where to go." Another says, "There is only hunger and killing here. We want peace," says another. It is estimated that 1.9 million people, or 90% of Gaza's population, have now been displaced. An analysis of satellite imagery shows that 66% of Gaza's buildings and roads have been destroyed or rendered inoperable by military operations since the war. With the exception of a brief ceasefire in November last year, bombing raids have taken place every day in Gaza.

About a quarter of the territory is now under evacuation orders, and one-fifth of the population has been displaced. Half of the evacuees are children, and shelters are stretched beyond capacity. Already facing economic hardship, Lebanon says it is facing a catastrophic situation with the addition of war.

<The world>

The one-year anniversary of the war was marked by protests around the world calling for a ceasefire. In the UK, around 40,000 protesters marched through central London, while hundreds to thousands took to the streets in New York, US; Paris, France; and Rome, Italy. Demonstrators calling for an end to the bloodshed took to the streets of major cities, sometimes clashing with police.

Lord, we ask for your mercy and compassion in a land filled with fear, suffering, war, and death. You are the One who hears the cry and cares for the suffering. Deliver their souls from the deepest pit and liberate them from their proud and fierce enemies! We ask for Your abundant mercy and grace[Psalm 86:12-17]

The LORD will go out like a mighty man, stir up like a warrior, shout with a mighty cry, and smite the enemy with a mighty blow [Isaiah 42:13] Save the descendants of Isaac and the descendants of Ishmael with Your strong hand and Your outstretched arm! Hear their cry and remember Your covenant with them! Show them the signs of Your favor, give them a sign of salvation, and inscribe the name of Yeshua on them!

There is no one who can save them but our Lord. You will rejoice in the LORD, and you will boast in the Holy One![Isaiah 41:16] Lord, let this land stand as those who praise You with all their hearts and glorify Your name forever and ever. They will greet You with shouts of "Baruch HaVa B'Shem Adonai," praising Your miracles. We ask You, Lord, do wonders for us!