Ceasefire in Israel!

This news has already made its way around the world, but I was on vacation last week and unable to update this blog. But no time like the present!

On May 20, 2021, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu signed a unilateral ceasefire, that began at 2am the next morning.

As Behold Israel's Amir Tsarfati says in this video, ceasefire is always significant (and good news), but what is important to note here is that this was a unilateral decision. Despite what the media says, it was not negotiated by a 3rd country (like Egypt). Israel did not make any agreements with Hamas. They did not give territory or permission for anything, and by this being a unilateral decision, they retain the right to future operations if needed. Israel not only won, but showed its autonomy in a way it hasn't been able to in the past. 

Here are some important things to know:

• Up until 7pm on Thursday (with still 7 hours to go), Hamas had launched 4340 rockets at Israel. At least 640 of those actually fell in Palestinian territory, killing civilians and decimating more homes. Unfortunately, that civilian death toll (more than 100) is counted against Israel, instead of the ones firing. Over 1,900 civilians were injured and 200 Hamas terrorists were killed.
• 12 Israeli's were killed, one soldier and 11 civilians. 2 were children.
• There were over 320 miles of tunnels under the Gaza strip, under homes, hospitals, and schools, so Hamas could hide behind women and children while moving around. Over half of this network has been destroyed by laser-directed bombs, in order to minimize civilian casualties.
• Israel's Iron Dome held- it stopped over 90% of the bombs sent its way. The ones it didn't stop were going to unpopulated areas/non-strategic areas. 
• Humanitarian aid has already entered Gaza.
• The Temple Mount, where this all started, as the Al-Aksa mosque was used to house rocks for people to throw as Jews celebrated 'Jerusalem Day' at the Western Wall (which led to Hamas firing 5 rockets at Jerusalem- which started this whole thing), is now open to Jews again.
• On May 23, as previously announced, Israel opened to 20 tourist groups from specific countries (with approved vaccines). This is the first big step to opening the international tourist industry.

This has increased relational division between the 2 races throughout the land, as there were demonstrations and protests in other areas. The pain of these past 12 days is incalculable, added to the weight and pain of the past 73 years. 

More than ever, peace is needed in Jerusalem.