Fasting for Peace and Justice in Gaza | Day 2

From what I've read on google news, this conflict is different than many others where people can flee the war zone. In Gaza, civilians can't leave; their homes, their jobs, their schools, their hospitals, their supermarkets, their city is the war zone. Over the 13-day Israeli offensive, there have been at least 658 Palestinian deaths. That's about 50 deaths per day!!!
On the Israeli side: "Ten Israelis have died in the past 12 days, seven of them soldiers, including four killed by "friendly" fire." (Jan 7 Reuters- Nidal al-Mughrabi)

I saw some disturbing images today on a friend's facebook from Gaza. So many women and children killed!!! According to the same Reuters article, truce talks have started and have been hastened by the killing of civilians. I'm praying for these talks. On Tuesday, Israeli shells killed 42 people (including women and children) seeking shelter in a UN-run school in Jabalya refugee camp: "U.N. officials denied an Israeli army account that militants had been firing from the school."

Israel is demanding that the Hamas rockets stop before ending the violence. Unfortunately, I think that the effect of pounding Gaza will just be to raise up another generation of bitter children, bent on hatred and revenge against Gaza. I know of people in the US who joined US military academies as a result of losing loved ones on 2001 and desiring some sort of retribution. I fear that unfortunately this current offensive and all violent means to solutions may serve to plant seeds of further destruction. I pray for people in the region to be freed from their hatred and learn the liberating teaching of Jesus of Nazareth: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

I am very, very hungry now. Today I had one bottle of Nantucket Nectar orange juice and one small bottle of Naked berry juice. Normal meal times are great reminders to pray, but right now, I don't even need meal times. The groan for food is constantly there. Whenever I stop talking or actively doing something, I'm reminded. I was active all day and didn't feel drained of energy, but found myself longing for food.

May God have mercy on us and help us find peace,

A follower of Jesus