Weekly Update: The current violence in Israel – what is happening, and why?

Violence has erupted in Israel. Riots on the Temple Mount, hundreds of rockets from Gaza, Jews and Palestinians killed and wounded. The situation is volatile.

Many in the Western media are portraying Israel as the aggressor, and the Palestinians as victims. But the situation is more complex and nuanced than is often portrayed.

Underlying factors include a deeply emotional dispute about the status of Jerusalem, and whether Israel’s control of the city is justified, as well as the determination of Hamas and its allies to destroy the Jewish State of Israel.

There is no doubt that Hamas and extremist Islamic elements within Palestinian society have been – as often before – preparing and waiting for an opportunity to unleash violence against Jews. Iran is supplying rocks that Hamas fires.

The conflict with Hamas is likely to last days if not weeks.

The Editorial team

Israel & Christians Today