Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Beleaguered Ukrainian President Faces Losses
A year after he received standing ovations in Western capitals from Washington to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked beleaguered.
Ukraine Has Received Final $1.65 Billion Tranche of Aid From EU
Ukraine continues to require international support to fight Russia’s invasion and has now received the last 1.5 billion euro ($1.65 billion) tranche from the 18 billion package from the European Union for 2023, Reuters reports. Receipt of the final EU tranche was announced Thursday Dec. 21 by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
16 Dead In Shooting In Prague University
At least 15 people were killed and about 30 others injured in a shooting on Thursday at Charles University in central Prague, Czech police and other sources said.
24th Victim Of Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Dies After Struggle
The death toll from the volcanic eruption on Indonesia's Mount Marapi that caught dozens of climbers by surprise this month has risen to 24 after a teenage girl, who became a symbol of determination and hope, lost her life.
Turkey President Accuses Israel Of “Massacre” At Trip In Hungary
Turkey’s president wrapped up his visit to Hungary with a warning to Israel to end its “ongoing massacre” in Gaza, while not mentioning the Hamas atrocities in the Jewish nation that killed 1,200 people.
China Rolling Out Thought Control Weapons In ‘Brain Warfare’
Communist-run China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is rolling out brain-influencing weapons and advanced psychological warfare in “a major shift in military strategy,” according to a new report obtained by Worthy News.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Claims 2,000 Hamas Terrorists Killed in December, 8,000 Overall; Lebanon Border Heats Up
As the war continues into its 3rd month in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims that it has eliminated 8,000 Hamas terrorists and 2,000 since the beginning of October, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.
US: Over 50% of Young Adults Believe Israel Should Be Erased, Poll Finds
A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that, since the Oct. 7 genocidal attack on Israel by Hamas, over 50% of American young adults believe Israel should be erased and the land it is on given to Hamas and the Palestinians, Israel365 News report.
Inside the United States
Federal Judge Halts California’s Ban on Permitted Concealed Carry in Public
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against California’s wide-ranging ban on concealed carry users bringing their weapons to a number of public and private places ranging from public transit to parks, stadiums and banks.
Border Patrol chiefs confirm ‘illegal aliens spread the word the border is open’
As part of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security's investigation into the "dereliction of duty" of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, it and members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted interviews with eight U.S. Border Patrol chief patrol agents and one deputy chief patrol agent.
Christian News
Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, 8 Murdered in Plateau State
Fulani Islamic terrorists killed eight more Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria leads the world for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith: well over 50,000 have been slaughtered since the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in 2009.
More Than 80% of US Christians Favor a Two-State Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Poll Shows
A new poll by Lifeway Research shows that four out of five US Christians support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in which a new state of Palestine is created alongside Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Israel and West Bank Christmas Celebrations Canceled Amid Gaza War
As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues unabated, Church leaders and city councils in Israel and the West Bank have decided to call off large-scale public Christmas celebrations and not to decorate public spaces with Christmas trees, the Jerusalem Post reports. The decision affects Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace (now controlled by the West Bank Palestinian Authority), Nazareth in northern Israel, where Jesus grew up, and Jerusalem, where He was crucified and rose again.
Beleaguered Ukrainian President Faces Losses
A year after he received standing ovations in Western capitals from Washington to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked beleaguered.
Ukraine Has Received Final $1.65 Billion Tranche of Aid From EU
Ukraine continues to require international support to fight Russia’s invasion and has now received the last 1.5 billion euro ($1.65 billion) tranche from the 18 billion package from the European Union for 2023, Reuters reports. Receipt of the final EU tranche was announced Thursday Dec. 21 by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
16 Dead In Shooting In Prague University
At least 15 people were killed and about 30 others injured in a shooting on Thursday at Charles University in central Prague, Czech police and other sources said.
24th Victim Of Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Dies After Struggle
The death toll from the volcanic eruption on Indonesia's Mount Marapi that caught dozens of climbers by surprise this month has risen to 24 after a teenage girl, who became a symbol of determination and hope, lost her life.
Turkey President Accuses Israel Of “Massacre” At Trip In Hungary
Turkey’s president wrapped up his visit to Hungary with a warning to Israel to end its “ongoing massacre” in Gaza, while not mentioning the Hamas atrocities in the Jewish nation that killed 1,200 people.
China Rolling Out Thought Control Weapons In ‘Brain Warfare’
Communist-run China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is rolling out brain-influencing weapons and advanced psychological warfare in “a major shift in military strategy,” according to a new report obtained by Worthy News.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Claims 2,000 Hamas Terrorists Killed in December, 8,000 Overall; Lebanon Border Heats Up
As the war continues into its 3rd month in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims that it has eliminated 8,000 Hamas terrorists and 2,000 since the beginning of October, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.
US: Over 50% of Young Adults Believe Israel Should Be Erased, Poll Finds
A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that, since the Oct. 7 genocidal attack on Israel by Hamas, over 50% of American young adults believe Israel should be erased and the land it is on given to Hamas and the Palestinians, Israel365 News report.
Inside the United States
Federal Judge Halts California’s Ban on Permitted Concealed Carry in Public
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against California’s wide-ranging ban on concealed carry users bringing their weapons to a number of public and private places ranging from public transit to parks, stadiums and banks.
Border Patrol chiefs confirm ‘illegal aliens spread the word the border is open’
As part of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security's investigation into the "dereliction of duty" of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, it and members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted interviews with eight U.S. Border Patrol chief patrol agents and one deputy chief patrol agent.
Christian News
Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, 8 Murdered in Plateau State
Fulani Islamic terrorists killed eight more Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria leads the world for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith: well over 50,000 have been slaughtered since the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in 2009.
More Than 80% of US Christians Favor a Two-State Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Poll Shows
A new poll by Lifeway Research shows that four out of five US Christians support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in which a new state of Palestine is created alongside Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Israel and West Bank Christmas Celebrations Canceled Amid Gaza War
As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues unabated, Church leaders and city councils in Israel and the West Bank have decided to call off large-scale public Christmas celebrations and not to decorate public spaces with Christmas trees, the Jerusalem Post reports. The decision affects Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace (now controlled by the West Bank Palestinian Authority), Nazareth in northern Israel, where Jesus grew up, and Jerusalem, where He was crucified and rose again.
Around the World
North Korea Launches Nuclear-Capable Missile Amid Calls For Asia-Style NATO
On Tuesday, North Korea published new footage of its recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch amid calls to speed up the creation of an Indo-Pacific version of the NATO military alliance.
Suriname’s Ex-President Bouterse Jailed For 15 Murders
An appeals court in Suriname on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former President Desi Bouterse and sentenced him to 20 years in prison for his role in the execution of 15 people in the former Dutch colony in December 1982.
Death Toll Rising In China’s Quake
The death toll from China’s worst earthquake in nine years rose to 131 early Wednesday, with some 1,000 people injured, officials said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Says Ground Operation in Northern Gaza is Nearing End, Underground Terror City Discovered
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly close to completing their ground offensive in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, having significantly dismantled the presence of Hamas battalions in the region, according to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
Inside the United States
Illegal Immigrants Crossing the Border Surges Over Past 48 Hours
Over the past 48 hours, authorities have encountered close to 27,000 immigrants trying to illegally cross into the United States from Mexico, the Washington Examiner reported. To put this in perspective, the number of crossings observed in the past two days is equivalent to the total typically seen over an entire month during the Obama and Trump administrations.
America Sees 337% Increase In Antisemitic Incidents Since Oct.7, Report Shows
A major US antisemitism watchdog, the Anti-Defamation League has recorded a 337% increase in antisemitic incidents in America since the Oct.7 attack on Israel by the ISIS-like Hamas Palestinian jihadist group from Gaza, Israel365 News reports.
US Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Provided Over $358.7 Million in Goods and Services Last Year
A new report shows that US pro-life pregnancy centers provided an estimated massive $358,725,517 million in goods and services last year to help financially vulnerable women continue their pregnancies instead of having an abortion, the Washington Times reports.
Christian News
Syria: Aleppo Christian Community Has Dramatically Decreased Since Civil War
As Syrians struggle to cope with the devastating consequences of a catastrophic civil war, the number of Christians in the previously formidable Syrian city of Aleppo has now decreased from around 250,000 to just 50,000, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
North Korea Launches Nuclear-Capable Missile Amid Calls For Asia-Style NATO
On Tuesday, North Korea published new footage of its recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch amid calls to speed up the creation of an Indo-Pacific version of the NATO military alliance.
Suriname’s Ex-President Bouterse Jailed For 15 Murders
An appeals court in Suriname on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former President Desi Bouterse and sentenced him to 20 years in prison for his role in the execution of 15 people in the former Dutch colony in December 1982.
Death Toll Rising In China’s Quake
The death toll from China’s worst earthquake in nine years rose to 131 early Wednesday, with some 1,000 people injured, officials said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Says Ground Operation in Northern Gaza is Nearing End, Underground Terror City Discovered
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly close to completing their ground offensive in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, having significantly dismantled the presence of Hamas battalions in the region, according to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
Inside the United States
Illegal Immigrants Crossing the Border Surges Over Past 48 Hours
Over the past 48 hours, authorities have encountered close to 27,000 immigrants trying to illegally cross into the United States from Mexico, the Washington Examiner reported. To put this in perspective, the number of crossings observed in the past two days is equivalent to the total typically seen over an entire month during the Obama and Trump administrations.
America Sees 337% Increase In Antisemitic Incidents Since Oct.7, Report Shows
A major US antisemitism watchdog, the Anti-Defamation League has recorded a 337% increase in antisemitic incidents in America since the Oct.7 attack on Israel by the ISIS-like Hamas Palestinian jihadist group from Gaza, Israel365 News reports.
US Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Provided Over $358.7 Million in Goods and Services Last Year
A new report shows that US pro-life pregnancy centers provided an estimated massive $358,725,517 million in goods and services last year to help financially vulnerable women continue their pregnancies instead of having an abortion, the Washington Times reports.
Christian News
Syria: Aleppo Christian Community Has Dramatically Decreased Since Civil War
As Syrians struggle to cope with the devastating consequences of a catastrophic civil war, the number of Christians in the previously formidable Syrian city of Aleppo has now decreased from around 250,000 to just 50,000, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Around the World
Iran Accused at UN of Illegal Missile and Drone Transfers, and High-Level Uranium Enrichment
Iran faced accusations from Western Powers of developing and testing ballistic missiles, sending hundreds of drones to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and enriching uranium to a 60 percent level unprecedented for a country without a declared nuclear weapons program. Each of these violates a UN resolution, the Associated Press reported.
Jordan Welcomes Re-Election of Egyptian President As Both Nations Face War
Jordan’s King Abdullah welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s re-election Tuesday at a time when both nations face war in their neighborhood.
Pentagon Announces 10 Nation Coalition to Counter Houthi Attacks on Strategic Corridor in Red Sea
On Monday, the United States announced the formation of a 10-nation coalition creating a new force aimed at suppressing missile and drone attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on vessels navigating the Red Sea. This "multinational security initiative" includes participation from Britain, France, Bahrain, and Italy among other countries.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Close To War With Hezbollah In Lebanon
Israel came closer Wednesday to an all-out war with the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group, which it views as a terrorist organization backed by Iran, as hostilities escalated.
Evangelical IDF Soldier Falls Defending Israel Against Hamas in Gaza
vangelical IDF soldier falls defending Israel against Hamas in GazaA young German Evangelical Christian has been killed fighting Hamas in Gaza as a volunteer combat soldier with the Israeli Defense Forces, the Jerusalem Post reports. A member of the Maglan Special Forces unit of the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, 20 year-old Sgt.-Maj. Urija Bayer died on Sunday after being critically wounded in the southern Gaza Strip on December 14.
Inside the United States
Colorado Supreme Court Decision Disqualifies Trump from 2024 Presidential Ballot, Paving Way for Supreme Court Appeal
In a bombshell decision, the Colorado Supreme Court decided on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the 2024 presidential primary ballot. The court has effectively barred Trump from pursuing the presidency due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, referencing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a measure dating back to the post-Civil War era.
Tennessee: Baby Swept Out of His Home in Deadly Tornado Found Unharmed in a Tree, “Pretty Much a Miracle”
In what has been described as a miracle, a baby in Clarksville, Tennessee, was found unharmed in a tree after a deadly tornado ripped through his home, tearing off the roof and sweeping him up out of his crib, ABC News reports. Although his home was completely destroyed, four-month-old Lord Moore suffered only a cut to his face in the tornado, which killed three people and injured dozens of others as it stormed through Clarksville on Dec. 9.
Texas Governor Signs Law Challenging Biden Immigration Policies, Empowering State Law Enforcement
Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has signed a new bill granting police the authority to detain illegal immigrants. This legislation also empowers local judges to order their departure from the country. This move aims to combat the influx of illegal immigration that has overwhelmed the state since the onset of the Biden Administration, challenging the extent to which a state can enforce immigration laws.
Christian News
Prison Ministry Will Deliver Gifts and Gospel Message to 65,000 Prisoners Worldwide This Christmas
A US-based international prison ministry is set to hand-deliver a gift pack and the Gospel to 65,000 prisoners around the world this Christmas, CBN News reports. Good News Global will be delivering its “Hope Packs” to male and female prisoners across 16 US states and 18 other countries during the Christmas season.
YouVersion Bible App Has Been Downloaded Over 700 Million Times
Demonstrating the Bible’s timeless appeal across the millennia, the popular “YouVersion” free Bible app has been downloaded more than 700 million times in the US and worldwide since it was first developed 15 years ago, Religion News Service (RNS) reports.
Iran Accused at UN of Illegal Missile and Drone Transfers, and High-Level Uranium Enrichment
Iran faced accusations from Western Powers of developing and testing ballistic missiles, sending hundreds of drones to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and enriching uranium to a 60 percent level unprecedented for a country without a declared nuclear weapons program. Each of these violates a UN resolution, the Associated Press reported.
Jordan Welcomes Re-Election of Egyptian President As Both Nations Face War
Jordan’s King Abdullah welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s re-election Tuesday at a time when both nations face war in their neighborhood.
Pentagon Announces 10 Nation Coalition to Counter Houthi Attacks on Strategic Corridor in Red Sea
On Monday, the United States announced the formation of a 10-nation coalition creating a new force aimed at suppressing missile and drone attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on vessels navigating the Red Sea. This "multinational security initiative" includes participation from Britain, France, Bahrain, and Italy among other countries.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Close To War With Hezbollah In Lebanon
Israel came closer Wednesday to an all-out war with the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group, which it views as a terrorist organization backed by Iran, as hostilities escalated.
Evangelical IDF Soldier Falls Defending Israel Against Hamas in Gaza
vangelical IDF soldier falls defending Israel against Hamas in GazaA young German Evangelical Christian has been killed fighting Hamas in Gaza as a volunteer combat soldier with the Israeli Defense Forces, the Jerusalem Post reports. A member of the Maglan Special Forces unit of the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, 20 year-old Sgt.-Maj. Urija Bayer died on Sunday after being critically wounded in the southern Gaza Strip on December 14.
Inside the United States
Colorado Supreme Court Decision Disqualifies Trump from 2024 Presidential Ballot, Paving Way for Supreme Court Appeal
In a bombshell decision, the Colorado Supreme Court decided on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the 2024 presidential primary ballot. The court has effectively barred Trump from pursuing the presidency due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, referencing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a measure dating back to the post-Civil War era.
Tennessee: Baby Swept Out of His Home in Deadly Tornado Found Unharmed in a Tree, “Pretty Much a Miracle”
In what has been described as a miracle, a baby in Clarksville, Tennessee, was found unharmed in a tree after a deadly tornado ripped through his home, tearing off the roof and sweeping him up out of his crib, ABC News reports. Although his home was completely destroyed, four-month-old Lord Moore suffered only a cut to his face in the tornado, which killed three people and injured dozens of others as it stormed through Clarksville on Dec. 9.
Texas Governor Signs Law Challenging Biden Immigration Policies, Empowering State Law Enforcement
Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has signed a new bill granting police the authority to detain illegal immigrants. This legislation also empowers local judges to order their departure from the country. This move aims to combat the influx of illegal immigration that has overwhelmed the state since the onset of the Biden Administration, challenging the extent to which a state can enforce immigration laws.
Christian News
Prison Ministry Will Deliver Gifts and Gospel Message to 65,000 Prisoners Worldwide This Christmas
A US-based international prison ministry is set to hand-deliver a gift pack and the Gospel to 65,000 prisoners around the world this Christmas, CBN News reports. Good News Global will be delivering its “Hope Packs” to male and female prisoners across 16 US states and 18 other countries during the Christmas season.
YouVersion Bible App Has Been Downloaded Over 700 Million Times
Demonstrating the Bible’s timeless appeal across the millennia, the popular “YouVersion” free Bible app has been downloaded more than 700 million times in the US and worldwide since it was first developed 15 years ago, Religion News Service (RNS) reports.