[Today’s Prayer] Despite internal and external criticism, violence by Jewish settlers continues… even arson of a mosque

Violence by Jewish settlers toward Palestinian residents is not stopping.

According to reports on the 13th (local time) from Palestinian WAFA news agency and Israeli outlet Ynet, settlers set fire early that morning to the Hajah Hamida Mosque (Islamic temple) in the village of Deir Istiya near Nablus in the northwestern area of the West Bank.

Residents discovered settlers pouring flammable liquid at the mosque entrance and setting it on fire, and they managed to extinguish it before the entire building burned down.

The settlers left graffiti on the mosque walls such as “(Islamic prophet) Muhammad is a pig” and “There will be revenge on the enemy,” expressing hostility and hatred toward Arabs and Muslims.

They also wrote, “We are not afraid of Avi Bluth,” referring to the Israeli army’s Central Command leader. The day before, Commander Bluth had criticized the settler violence that occurred on the 11th in the village of Beit Lid near Tulkarm in the West Bank, saying, “We cannot tolerate anarchistic extremist youths committing violence against innocent civilians and security forces.”

(omitted)

It is feared that this incident may negatively affect the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which was mediated last month by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Source: Yonhap News

When his breath departs, he returns to the dust; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Psalm 146:4–5)

God, we hear the news that Jewish settlers set fire to the Hajah Hamida Mosque in the village of Deir Istiya near Nablus in the West Bank and left graffiti hostile and hateful toward Arabs and Muslims.

In this time of a temporary ceasefire that may now be negatively affected by this incident, have mercy on the Israeli and Palestinian peoples who continue to suffer. Grant grace so that these two peoples—who cannot accept each other—may be reconciled and brought to peace through the cross of Jesus.

Let them cease fighting over land that will perish within a short lifetime, and when they seek the God of Jacob, let them gain the hope of the Kingdom of God. Rule over the peoples of Israel and Palestine with Your help.

Let the prayers of the global church for Israel and Palestine never cease, and let us pray with hope and faith in the Lord, standing together in spiritual warfare.

Through reconciliation and unity within the local churches of Israel and Palestine, let the roots of conflict and division between the two peoples be completely cut off, and let true shalom come to Israel and Palestine!

Let Israel and Palestine become one through the cross and take up the work of revival!