[Today’s Prayer] Middle East ‘week of destiny’... “It may be difficult for Israel to prevent Iranian retaliation.”

The Middle East began a breathtaking week amid concerns of a recurrence of direct conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iran points to Israel as the mastermind behind the murder of Haniyeh, a guest of honor who visited the presidential inauguration ceremony, on its territory and does not back down from its stance that it will make Israel pay for the violation of its sovereignty.

Israel is preparing for armed retaliation from Iran and is warning that it will retaliate again if carried out.

If a conflict occurs as warned by both sides, the Middle East could fall into a bigger phase of war that could even involve the United States.

Iran's retaliatory military action is said to be so imminent that it could be observed as early as the 5th (local time).

US Secretary of State Tony Blinken informed the foreign ministers of the seven major countries (G7) the day before that an Iranian attack targeting Israel could occur within 24 to 48 hours.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced the results of its investigation into the assassination of Haniyeh and said, "Severe punishment will be met out at the appropriate time and place."

According to the Wall Street Journal, neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt requested Iran to refrain from retaliation, but this was not accepted.

The United States also reportedly offered Arab countries the possibility of improving relations with the West in return for refraining from retaliation, but this was also reportedly rejected.

It is unclear whether not only conciliatory dissuasion but also military pressure will be able to move Iran.

The United States dispatched an additional battalion of fighter jets to the Middle East and dispatched the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East for the purpose of deterring or defending against Iranian retaliation.

There are even reports within Israel that a pre-emptive strike will be pursued when there is information that Iran's retaliation is certain.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents the rights and interests of Muslim countries around the world, will hold an emergency meeting in Saudi Arabia on the 7th at Iran's request.

First of all, the agenda is to condemn Israel for violating Iran's sovereignty.

It is still unclear whether an agreement will be reached at this meeting to justify Iran's retaliation or whether a consensus will be formed calling for restraint.

Ultimately, it is generally assumed that if Iran actually retaliates against Israel, it will be more difficult to prevent it than in previous attacks.

Foreign media predicted that the Middle East, especially the Gaza Strip, would spend a 'week of fate' amidst such anxiety and nervousness surrounding Iran's retaliation.

The US CNN network particularly paid attention to the fact that "the events that will occur this week may determine the course of the war in Gaza."

If Iran's retaliation worsens into an expansion of regional conflict involving the United States and other countries, it is predicted that even the Gaza Strip will fall out of priority.

Source: Yeonhab News

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; … But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. (Psalm 5:3-5,7)

Thank you, Jehovah God, for giving us lips to praise you in every situation.

God, we hear that Iran is enraged by the assassination of Haniyeh, and is preparing to retaliate. There are concerns that this war will spread to other countries because other neighboring countries are asking for restraint but refuse.