A SIGN OF THE END TIMES? Ban Kai Moon travels to Israel as violence spirals out of control

Nearly 50 people have been killed to date.

The situation in Israel continues to spiral out of control as Palestinian youths and Israeli Defense Forces clash. Secretary General Ban Kai Moon has gone to the region in an effort to defuse tensions.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Nearly 50 people have been killed in attacks and reprisals over the past month. Eight of the victims have been Israelis and the another 40 have been Palestinians. Many more people have been wounded. Rioting and protests have erupted. In one case, a Palestinian tried to ram his car into a crowd of people, then emerged with a knife and attempted to stab those around him Israeli police promptly shot and killed him.

Palestinians are angry because they feel the Israelis continue to expand into their traditional lands with new settlements. They also feel the effects of economic hardship and limited opportunities. They are often viewed with suspicion causing deep frustration and resentment against Israel.

Israeli citizens are simply weary of the violence. They live daily with the threat of suicide bombings, stabbings and more.

Unfortunately, a single incident is enough to spark a spiral of violence that can quickly grow out of control. Such cycles of violence do nothing to alleviate frustration, but instead become self-serving, inspiring more conflict.

During his meeting with Israeli president Reuben Rivlin, Moon said, "Violence only begets violence. We must not allow extremists on either side, or those who think violence is the answer to further fuel the conflict."

Violence has been a daily occurrence and there are fears it could lead to a full-blown conflict.

It is prophesied that in the last days, the Holy Land will be the site of great violence and upheaval. The Israelis can hardly stop themselves from meeting violence with violence. The Palestinians are unlikely to be satisfied with all but impossible concessions from Israel. Thus dissatisfied, violence will continue to erupt. When it does, Israel will match force with force, and thus the spiral of conflict is assured.

Is this a great sign that the end of the world is near? When two people in one holy land, cannot abide one another? Is there any way forward that does not end in conflict?

All people must pray and prepare.