VFI News US Operation Against Houthis Leaves Over 30 Dead; Hamas Calls for Escalation in Judea and Samaria

US Operation Against Houthis Leaves Over 30 Dead; Hamas Calls for Escalation in Judea and Samaria . . .

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U.S. President Donald Trump launched large-scale military strikes against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday, March 15, over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping, killing at least 31 people at the start of a campaign expected to last many days.

Trump also warned Iran, the Houthis' main backer, that it needed to immediately halt support for the group. He said if Iran threatened the United States, "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" 

The top Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards reacted on Sunday by saying the Houthis are independent and make their own strategic and operational decisions. "We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action," Hossein Salami told state media. 

At least 31 were killed and 101 others injured in the U.S. strikes, mostly women and children, Anees al-Asbahi, spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry said in an updated toll on Sunday.

After the strikes, Houthi rebels posted an animation online that depicted American flag-draped coffins floating near destroyed Navy. 

The animation starts out with somber music and depicts a coffin draped in an American flag floating in the water, then slowly zooms out to reveal dozens of similar flag-draped coffins floating away from destroyed warships. (REU/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we thank you for the actions taken to destroy terrorism and those who threaten the peace in the Middle East and the world. We ask that these attacks be precise and stop terrorist activity without hurting the civilian population. We pray in Yeshua's name for all the innocent citizens who got injured during the attack. May You grant them a speedy recovery and take care of their mental health and trauma.”

Abdel Hakim Hanini, a senior member of the Hamas movement, states that the "settler attacks in [Judea and Samaria] are taking place as part of the total war initiated by the criminal Zionist occupation against our Palestinian people in [Judea and Samaria], in occupied Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip."

Hanini noted on Friday, March 14, that "the aggression of the settlers and their terrorism against the Palestinian people is carried out with the full support of the occupation government and under the security of its army, in order to implement their malicious plans aimed at displacing our people from their land."

He stated that "these Israeli plans will shatter against the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, regardless of the casualties that may arise as a result."

He called on the Palestinian Arab public to stand against "settler attacks throughout the territories of [Judea and Samaria] and occupied Jerusalem by escalating confrontations and struggles in all arenas."

Hossam Badran, also a senior member of Hamas, stated that the Palestinian Arab people are attached to their land and will not abandon their homeland under any circumstances. (INN/VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for peace in the land You have given us. We ask that none of the enemy’s plans to bring more destruction will succeed and that there will be division within the enemy’s camp. We pray that the Palestinians who desire peace will not cooperate with the terrorists and that peace-seeking leaders will rise among the Palestinians. We continue to pray for the miraculous rescue of all the remaining hostages so that Your Name may be glorified and Your people rejoice. We thank You for Who You are and for the countless times You have protected us.”

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated on Friday, March 14, that Hamas' claim that it agreed to release the five American hostages is a mere ploy and psychological warfare.

"Hamas' alleged 'offer' to release hostages with American citizenship is intended to sabotage negotiations and is mere manipulation," an Israeli official said. "Hamas has not changed its position one bit, despite the efforts of the Americans and the mediators, and despite our willingness to be flexible."

The PMO added that "While Israel accepted the Witkoff framework, Hamas persists in its refusal and continues to wage psychological warfare against hostage families."

It was reported that under Witkoff's newest proposal, the ceasefire would be extended by 50 days and Israel would release convicted terrorists, in exchange for the release of several hostages.

During this period, talks would resume on the deal's second stage, which would see Israel withdraw completely from Gaza, despite Hamas' repeated violations of the ceasefire.

The number of hostages to be released under this proposal is not yet clear, though there are indications that five living hostages and nine deceased hostages may be released, among them U.S. citizens. (INN/VFI News)

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

The families of the hostages and hundreds of people on Friday evening, March 14, held a Shabbat dinner at the Begin Gate of the Kirya, calling for the immediate return of all 59 hostages who remain in Gaza.

Adi Angrest, sister of Matan Angrest, of whom Hamas released a video last week, said, "My brother is alive but injured. You can see his broken nose and paralyzed arm, which will likely remain that way for life. He's alive, but in ten minutes he might no longer be with us. We need to bring back all the hostages, now!"

Vicky Cohen, mother of captive IDF soldier Nimrod Cohen said, "As a mother, I too want to get Nimrod back, to hug him and tell him I love him, just like other mothers. But I don't know when Nimrod will return."

Also speaking was Hamas captivity survivor Ilana Gritzewsky, the girlfriend of hostage Matan Zangauker. "You are our strength, you are our hope, and we will win and bring Matan and all our friends home." 

Shai Mozes, nephew of Hamas captivity survivor Gadi Mozes, called for the continuation of the hostage deal.  "What's happening here is the embodiment of mutual responsibility. I have no words. We need to pay the price so our brothers stop being tortured and stop being bound in chains," he said. (INN /VFI News) 

“Dear God we pray for all the hostages who have persevered for almost a year and a half in captivity to return home. Hear the pleas and prayers of all the families and nation regarding the hostages and rescue them. We pray in Yeshua’s Name that You heal them and help them experience Your Love and the love of their families for the rest of their lives.”

Dive into the rich tapestry of Purim, the joyous celebration that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from annihilation. Discover the significance of the Book of Esther, learn the meaning behind the word 'Purim,' and explore traditional customs and practices that make this holiday unique. From dressing up in costumes to reading Megillat Esther, this video delves into the heart of Purim's festivities. Join us as we discuss how Purim serves as a poignant reminder of God's deliverance in history and its relevance in today's world, addressing issues like rising anti-Semitism. Gain insights into the lessons we can draw from the story of Purim to navigate challenges and injustices. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of Purim's timeless significance and its implications for us all.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah has accused Gazan influencer Saleh Al Jafarawi -- known on the internet as Mr. FAFO – of embezzling funds intended for rebuilding Al-Nasr Children's Hospital.

Last week, Jafarawi uploaded a video showing him and several other Gazan influencers locking themselves in a studio, announcing that they were raising 10 million dollars and claiming that the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah had provided him with the number as a goal. 

The campaign included the health ministry’s logo as well as the Kuwait Society for Relief. However, the health ministry quickly issued a statement denying any connection to the campaign.

“The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirms that it is not responsible for any campaign to collect donations for the benefit of the Gaza Strip, and that it is not a partner in any campaign to donate and collect funds carried out by some activists on social media,” the ministry stated on its social media. 

The Kuwait Society for Relief has not stated the campaign, which currently has 9.9 million dollars, but there is not currently an active campaign to rebuild the hospital on their site. (JPost/VFI News)

“With Him are strength and prudence. The deceived and the deceiver are His.” - Job 12:16

The leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been killed, Iraq's prime minister announced on Friday, March 14. Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, or "Abu Khadija," was killed in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service along with U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraq's Prime Minister said in a statement.

The Prime Minister described al-Rifai as "one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world."

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote Friday night "Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government."

U.S. Central Command said in a statement that its forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and security forces, conducted an airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the "Global ISIS #2 leader, Chief of Global Operations and the Delegated Committee Emir – Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias 'Abu Khadijah,' and one other ISIS operative." 

"As the Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization," CENTCOM said. (FN/VFI News)

“But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.” - Proverbs 2:22

The Trump Administration is demanding that United Nations-affiliated humanitarian that receive American funding organizations disclose any connections to anti-American organizations or ideologies such as Communism, American media reported.

The agencies, which include the UN Refugee Agency and UNICEF, received questionnaires requiring them to disclose these connections. A USAID official confirmed that the questionnaires had been sent to UN organizations.

One of the questions asks the organization to confirm that it “does not work with entities associated with communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties, or any party that espouses anti-American beliefs.”

“I’m aware from some of our colleagues that a number of agencies have received these types of questionnaires," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The Trump Administration has been attempting to cut government waste and fraud, with one of the early focuses being slashing foreign aid that is detrimental to American interests.

Since Trump's inauguration, the US has cut 83% of the international programs of USAID, America's primary foreign aid organization. (INN/VFI News)  

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.” - Proverbs 10:2

El Al Israel Airlines, headed by Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, could not have dreamt of a better year. It posted record revenue and profits in 2024, thanks to its streamlining program, but even more so to the abandonment of Israel by most foreign airlines after the Swords of Iron War, allowing El Al to dominate the skies, certainly on the profitable U.S. route.

El Al posted a net profit of $545 million for 2024, 4.7 times the profit in 2023. In the fourth quarter, the airline earned $130 million, less than in the third quarter — traditionally its strongest quarter — when net profit was $187 million, but still a big number. 

Revenue in 2024 totaled $3.4 billion, 37% more than in 2023. Fourth quarter revenue was $851 million, 26% more than in the corresponding quarter.

EBITDAR (earnings before interest tax, depreciation, amortization, and rent or leasing costs) totaled $1.1 billion, double the figure for 2023. 

The company ended 2024 with shareholders' equity of $527 million, versus a deficit of shareholders' equity of $209 million at the end of 2023. (JPost/VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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