On a recent segment of “Off the Wall with Will and Pete,” hosts Will Cain and Pete Hegseth discuss the one-year timeline of Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, which began on Oct. 7, 2023.
That day, Hamas launched a coordinated terrorist attack, firing 3,000 rockets into Israel and leaving devastation in their wake. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 257 hostages, including four foreign nationals, were taken by the militant group.
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Cain and Hegseth emphasize the attack’s unprecedented nature, describing it as the deadliest strike on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the hardest-hit areas were southern Israeli communities and a music festival where many civilians lost their lives. The hosts shared the harrowing stories of families caught in the chaos, with individuals grabbing any weapon they could find to defend themselves as terrorists infiltrated their homes, committing atrocities at every turn.
On Oct. 8, 2023, Israel declared war on Hamas. The military launched airstrikes followed by ground operations to root out the terrorists in Hamas and rescue hostages. Although a few pauses in the fighting allowed for some hostages to be released—mainly women and the elderly—many remain in captivity. As of today, 97 hostages are still held, including seven Americans.
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By April 2024, Iran directly attacked Israel, which retaliated with airstrikes. In September, Hezbollah officially entered the fray, leading to a tactical Israeli airstrike that killed senior Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The situation has only escalated, with missile strikes from Hezbollah and Iran increasing tensions across the region.
In the United States, the war has sparked heated protests, especially on college campuses. Major institutions like Harvard and UPenn faced public backlash for their handling of the Oct. 7, attacks and growing anti-Semitism on campus, leading to the resignation of several college presidents. Jewish students continue to express concerns over safety as tensions on campuses remain high.
The hosts note the resilience of Israel and its vow to continue military operations in Gaza and against Iran-backed forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation for ongoing strikes from Iran and Hezbollah, and that Israel will not rest until her enemies are defeated.
While the conflict rages on, it is crucial to remember the importance of praying for Israel during this time of crisis.
The nation has endured immense loss, and countless families are grieving the deaths of loved ones killed in the Oct. 7, attacks. Prayers for peace and healing are essential as the world hopes for a resolution to the violence and the restoration of security to the region. Through faith, we can trust that God will bring comfort to those who suffer and guide efforts toward protecting the small nation of Israel from those who would see her destroyed.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
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