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
US gets personnel out of Iraq, warns citizens not to visit
The US State Department on Sunday ordered the departure of all non-emergency embassy personnel and their families from its Baghdad and Erbil embassies in Iraq, "due to increased security threats against US personnel and interests."
China, US Rush War Ships To Mideast As Fears Mount Of Broader Conflict
Fears were mounting Sunday that the Israel-Hamas war will grow into a broader armed conflict in the Middle East, centered around the Jewish nation, with the U.S. and its allies on one side and China and its partner Russia on the other.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Concerned About Mideast Escalation Amid Pending Israeli Offensive (Videos)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern Sunday about the rapidly evolving tensions in the Middle East, suggesting they could escalate into a broader armed conflict involving Iran.
Israel Facing Growing Arab Pressure Over War Against Hamas
Two Western allies that made peace with Israel decades ago are losing patience with its two-week-old war against Hamas.
Israel Soldier Killed, Three Others Injured
An Israeli soldier was killed and three other troops wounded as they entered the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip ahead of an expected massive ground offensive, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Sunday.
Israel Vows To Intensify Air Strikes After Killing ‘Dozens Of Terrorists’
Israel's military said Sunday it would intensify airstrikes on Gaza after “killing dozens of terrorists” in overnight attacks, but it warned Palestinians still in the north of the territory to flee south.
Israeli Army Says Nearly 7,000 Rockets Fired Towards Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say more than 6,900 rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel over the last two weeks, with over 450 failed launch attempts within the Palestinian enclave.
Israel Hits Targets In Lebanon After Rocket Attacks
Israel’s military released footage early Saturday local time that it said was the airforce hitting “terror targets” in neighboring Lebanon.
Hamas releases two hostages, American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan
Hamas on Friday night released two hostages — Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie — who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the terror group’s October 7 assault on Israel.
Israel Says 20 Children Among 200 Hostages, Some Released
Israel’s military says some 20 children under the age of 18 are among roughly 200 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, where an Orthodox Church reportedly suffered damage in an air strike, killing many.
Gaza Church Hit In ‘Israeli Strike On Hamas’; Several Reported Killed
A Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians was hit overnight by a deadly Israeli air strike, church officials said, but Israel denied it was the intended target.
European Parliament Urges Elimination Of Hamas As Israel Unfolds Strategy
The European Union’s legislature says the “Hamas terror group” must be “eliminated” while Israel’s defense minister unfolds a plan for how to make that a reality.
Israel sets out 3 phases of war; will seek new ‘security regime’ once Hamas vanquished
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday laid out Israel’s objectives in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying that after the terror group has been destroyed, there will be a new “security reality” in the territory.
Inside the United States
US budget gap soars to $1.7 trillion, largest outside COVID era
The U.S. government on Friday posted a $1.695 trillion budget deficit in fiscal 2023, a 23% jump from the prior year as revenues fell and outlays for Social Security, Medicare and record-high interest costs on the federal debt rose.
President Detroit Synagogue Killed; Investigation Ongoing
The president of a synagogue in the U.S. city of Detroit has been stabbed, police said, raising fears that the Israel-Hamas war is spreading to streets thousands of miles away.
Republican Jim Jordan Loses Vote For US House Speaker
The United States stumbled into more political upheaval Friday as Jim Jordan, the Republican legislator from the state of Ohio, was out of the race for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Christian News
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announces major Europe gathering to reinvigorate evangelism
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is preparing to gather Christian leaders from around Europe for a major gathering on evangelism.
Persecuted Christians Increasingly Denied Asylum in U.S.
As thousands of immigrants cross the United States’ southern border illegally every week, a recent report by two global Christian relief organizations has found that the U.S. has reduced the resettlement of Christians fleeing global persecution by 70% compared to 2016.
US gets personnel out of Iraq, warns citizens not to visit
The US State Department on Sunday ordered the departure of all non-emergency embassy personnel and their families from its Baghdad and Erbil embassies in Iraq, "due to increased security threats against US personnel and interests."
China, US Rush War Ships To Mideast As Fears Mount Of Broader Conflict
Fears were mounting Sunday that the Israel-Hamas war will grow into a broader armed conflict in the Middle East, centered around the Jewish nation, with the U.S. and its allies on one side and China and its partner Russia on the other.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Concerned About Mideast Escalation Amid Pending Israeli Offensive (Videos)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern Sunday about the rapidly evolving tensions in the Middle East, suggesting they could escalate into a broader armed conflict involving Iran.
Israel Facing Growing Arab Pressure Over War Against Hamas
Two Western allies that made peace with Israel decades ago are losing patience with its two-week-old war against Hamas.
Israel Soldier Killed, Three Others Injured
An Israeli soldier was killed and three other troops wounded as they entered the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip ahead of an expected massive ground offensive, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Sunday.
Israel Vows To Intensify Air Strikes After Killing ‘Dozens Of Terrorists’
Israel's military said Sunday it would intensify airstrikes on Gaza after “killing dozens of terrorists” in overnight attacks, but it warned Palestinians still in the north of the territory to flee south.
Israeli Army Says Nearly 7,000 Rockets Fired Towards Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say more than 6,900 rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel over the last two weeks, with over 450 failed launch attempts within the Palestinian enclave.
Israel Hits Targets In Lebanon After Rocket Attacks
Israel’s military released footage early Saturday local time that it said was the airforce hitting “terror targets” in neighboring Lebanon.
Hamas releases two hostages, American mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan
Hamas on Friday night released two hostages — Judith Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie — who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the terror group’s October 7 assault on Israel.
Israel Says 20 Children Among 200 Hostages, Some Released
Israel’s military says some 20 children under the age of 18 are among roughly 200 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, where an Orthodox Church reportedly suffered damage in an air strike, killing many.
Gaza Church Hit In ‘Israeli Strike On Hamas’; Several Reported Killed
A Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians was hit overnight by a deadly Israeli air strike, church officials said, but Israel denied it was the intended target.
European Parliament Urges Elimination Of Hamas As Israel Unfolds Strategy
The European Union’s legislature says the “Hamas terror group” must be “eliminated” while Israel’s defense minister unfolds a plan for how to make that a reality.
Israel sets out 3 phases of war; will seek new ‘security regime’ once Hamas vanquished
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday laid out Israel’s objectives in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying that after the terror group has been destroyed, there will be a new “security reality” in the territory.
Inside the United States
US budget gap soars to $1.7 trillion, largest outside COVID era
The U.S. government on Friday posted a $1.695 trillion budget deficit in fiscal 2023, a 23% jump from the prior year as revenues fell and outlays for Social Security, Medicare and record-high interest costs on the federal debt rose.
President Detroit Synagogue Killed; Investigation Ongoing
The president of a synagogue in the U.S. city of Detroit has been stabbed, police said, raising fears that the Israel-Hamas war is spreading to streets thousands of miles away.
Republican Jim Jordan Loses Vote For US House Speaker
The United States stumbled into more political upheaval Friday as Jim Jordan, the Republican legislator from the state of Ohio, was out of the race for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Christian News
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association announces major Europe gathering to reinvigorate evangelism
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is preparing to gather Christian leaders from around Europe for a major gathering on evangelism.
Persecuted Christians Increasingly Denied Asylum in U.S.
As thousands of immigrants cross the United States’ southern border illegally every week, a recent report by two global Christian relief organizations has found that the U.S. has reduced the resettlement of Christians fleeing global persecution by 70% compared to 2016.
Around the World
US Navy intercepts missiles heading north from Yemen, ‘potentially’ toward Israel: Pentagon
A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted several missiles fired near the coast of Yemen on Thursday, though it is unclear what the missiles were targeting, Pentagon officials said.
Drones Attack a US Military Base in Southern Syria and There Are Minor Injuries, US Officials Say
A military base in southern Syria where U.S. troops have maintained a presence to train forces as part of a broad campaign against the Islamic State group was attacked by drones on Thursday, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
Germany ‘On Side Of Israel’ Amid Rising Antisemitism, Chancellor Says
The German chancellor told legislators that Germany's place was "at the side of Israel” after Hamas attacks killed some 1,400 people in the Jewish nation and a Jewish synagogue was attacked in Berlin.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF says 63 Hamas terror operatives among 80 terror suspects detained in West Bank
The IDF said on Thursday that security forces arrested some 63 Hamas operatives including Ramallah-based Hamas chief Hassan Yousef were among 80 terror suspects detained in overnight West Bank raids bringing the number of suspects in custody since the Hamas attack on October 7, to 524.
IDF strikes Hezbollah as anti-tank missile, rocket attacks continue
The IDF struck sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after the terrorist movement continued anti-tank missile attacks against IDF positions and Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades launched about 30 rockets from Lebanon toward Israel.
Israel’s Ground Invasion Of Gaza Imminent, Minister Suggests, But Doubts Remain
Israel’s defense minister suggested Thursday that an invasion of Gaza was imminent, telling troops, “You will soon see Gaza from the inside.”
Nearly half a million Israelis internally displaced
Nearly half a million Israelis have been internally displaced since the brutal surprise attack on civilians in southern Israel by the Hamas Palestinian terror group on October 7, i24News reports. The size of the state of New Jersey in the US, Israel has a population of under 10 million people, including 2.1 million Arab Israelis.
US sends 6th Fleet Flagship to eastern Mediterranean in boost to military presence near Israel
The US Defense Department is deploying the USS Mount Whitney, the command-and-control ship for the U.S. 6th Fleet, to the eastern Mediterranean as an addition to its increasing military presence amid the war between Israel and Hamas, the Washington Times reports.
Britain’s Sunak Tells Israel PM: ‘We Want You To Win’ In War With Hamas
British Prime Minister Rushi Sunak said Thursday that Britain stands with Israel in its “darkest hour” and wants the Jewish nation to win its declared war against Hamas. “I am proud to stand here with you in Israel’s darkest hour as your friend,” he told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the capital. “We will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people, and we also want you to win,” Sunak stressed.
Inside the United States
State Department urges ‘worldwide caution’ for Americans overseas as Israel-Hamas war rages
The U.S. State Department has issued a new "worldwide caution" to Americans traveling around the globe as the war rages on Thursday between Israel and Hamas.
US Senate shows bipartisan support of large military aid package for Israel
The US Senate this week expressed strong bipartisan support for a large spending bill that will increase funding for military and security aid to Israel during its ongoing war against the Hamas Palestinian terror organization in the Gaza Strip, the Daily Excelsior reports. The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israeli civilians in southern Israel, a catastrophically violent event in which 1,300 mostly civilian men, women, and children were slaughtered and around 200 kidnapped.
Christian News
India: 18 more pastors arrested in Uttar Pradesh state
Eighteen more pastors were arrested in India’s Uttar Pradesh state last week, on false charges of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, CBN News reports.
US Navy intercepts missiles heading north from Yemen, ‘potentially’ toward Israel: Pentagon
A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted several missiles fired near the coast of Yemen on Thursday, though it is unclear what the missiles were targeting, Pentagon officials said.
Drones Attack a US Military Base in Southern Syria and There Are Minor Injuries, US Officials Say
A military base in southern Syria where U.S. troops have maintained a presence to train forces as part of a broad campaign against the Islamic State group was attacked by drones on Thursday, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press.
Germany ‘On Side Of Israel’ Amid Rising Antisemitism, Chancellor Says
The German chancellor told legislators that Germany's place was "at the side of Israel” after Hamas attacks killed some 1,400 people in the Jewish nation and a Jewish synagogue was attacked in Berlin.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF says 63 Hamas terror operatives among 80 terror suspects detained in West Bank
The IDF said on Thursday that security forces arrested some 63 Hamas operatives including Ramallah-based Hamas chief Hassan Yousef were among 80 terror suspects detained in overnight West Bank raids bringing the number of suspects in custody since the Hamas attack on October 7, to 524.
IDF strikes Hezbollah as anti-tank missile, rocket attacks continue
The IDF struck sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Thursday, after the terrorist movement continued anti-tank missile attacks against IDF positions and Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades launched about 30 rockets from Lebanon toward Israel.
Israel’s Ground Invasion Of Gaza Imminent, Minister Suggests, But Doubts Remain
Israel’s defense minister suggested Thursday that an invasion of Gaza was imminent, telling troops, “You will soon see Gaza from the inside.”
Nearly half a million Israelis internally displaced
Nearly half a million Israelis have been internally displaced since the brutal surprise attack on civilians in southern Israel by the Hamas Palestinian terror group on October 7, i24News reports. The size of the state of New Jersey in the US, Israel has a population of under 10 million people, including 2.1 million Arab Israelis.
US sends 6th Fleet Flagship to eastern Mediterranean in boost to military presence near Israel
The US Defense Department is deploying the USS Mount Whitney, the command-and-control ship for the U.S. 6th Fleet, to the eastern Mediterranean as an addition to its increasing military presence amid the war between Israel and Hamas, the Washington Times reports.
Britain’s Sunak Tells Israel PM: ‘We Want You To Win’ In War With Hamas
British Prime Minister Rushi Sunak said Thursday that Britain stands with Israel in its “darkest hour” and wants the Jewish nation to win its declared war against Hamas. “I am proud to stand here with you in Israel’s darkest hour as your friend,” he told his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the capital. “We will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people, and we also want you to win,” Sunak stressed.
Inside the United States
State Department urges ‘worldwide caution’ for Americans overseas as Israel-Hamas war rages
The U.S. State Department has issued a new "worldwide caution" to Americans traveling around the globe as the war rages on Thursday between Israel and Hamas.
US Senate shows bipartisan support of large military aid package for Israel
The US Senate this week expressed strong bipartisan support for a large spending bill that will increase funding for military and security aid to Israel during its ongoing war against the Hamas Palestinian terror organization in the Gaza Strip, the Daily Excelsior reports. The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israeli civilians in southern Israel, a catastrophically violent event in which 1,300 mostly civilian men, women, and children were slaughtered and around 200 kidnapped.
Christian News
India: 18 more pastors arrested in Uttar Pradesh state
Eighteen more pastors were arrested in India’s Uttar Pradesh state last week, on false charges of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, CBN News reports.
Around the World
US Remains Committed to Slowing Iran’s Missile Program
The United States is leveling new sanctions against entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile, unmanned aerial vehicle and conventional arms industries.
European Central Bank moves ‘digital euro’ to next phase
The European Central Bank took a further step towards launching a digital version of the euro on Wednesday.
Jordan, Egypt Don’t Accept Gaza Refugees; 1 Million Face Uncertainty
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians faced an uncertain future Wednesday in wartorn Gaza after Jordan’s king Jordan told them they weren’t welcome in Jordan or Egypt.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Lebanon Rockets Target Israel As Frontlines Spread
With sirens wailing in northern Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Wednesday that “nine rocket launches from Lebanon” were detected.
US, Israel Agree On Limited “Life-Saving” Aid To Gaza
U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel had agreed to let “life-saving” humanitarian aid into Gaza, but the Jewish nation’s government made clear it was limited in scope and would be allowed only to enter from Egypt.
IDF says Hamas terrorists may be hiding in Israel’s Negev desert
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned Wednesday that a number of Palestinian terrorists may still be hiding in the Negev region of southern Israel after infiltrating during the brutal surprise attack on Israeli citizens by up to 2,000 members of the Hamas terror group on October 7, i24News reports.
PA to give families of Hamas terrorists nearly $3 million in “pay for slay” scheme
The Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas will pay the families of Hamas terrorists killed by Israel an estimated combined total payment of $2.8 million under a "pay-for-slay" system, the Jerusalem Post reports. The PA governs the West Bank, and is a political rival of Hamas, but it is still expected to reward the families of Hamas terrorists who kill Israelis.
US President Joe Biden Praises Israel’s Bravery And Blames Militants For Hospital Massacre
As rocket sirens wailed in some areas Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Israel, where he praised Israeli “bravery” and assured the Jewish nation that the United States supported its battle against the enemy.
Inside the United States
China Forced to Give Up Land Owned in US
Arkansas has become the first state to order that a Chinese company give up ownership of local land, amid fears of attempts by Beijing to malignly infiltrate and influence the U.S. through various means.
U.S. sending war supplies to Israel on ‘near-daily’ basis, Pentagon says
The U.S. has provided Israel with enough military firepower to fill five C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes since the start of its war with Hamas barely more than a week ago, and Pentagon officials say additional assistance is on the way.
Judge upholds Idaho law barring biological male students from using girls’ bathrooms
A judge in Idaho has upheld a state law that requires students with gender dysphoria to use the bathrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their biological sex rather than their preferred gender identity.
US Defense Department to pay $1.8 in settlement of vaccine mandate cases
A Florida District Court has ordered the US Defense Department to pay $1.8 million in legal fees as settlement for two lawsuits that challenged a former requirement that all American troops be vaccinated against COVID-19, Military.com reports.
Jordan fails to win House speakership in second round of voting
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, failed in the second round of voting in the House speaker election on the House floor Wednesday.
Worthy Watch
Protests Erupt Near American Embassy in Lebanon
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia issued a statement calling all Saudi citizens in Lebanon to return. Meanwhile, protests continued around the American Embassy in Beirut. The State Department raised a travel advisory for Lebanon urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country "due to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping" and the embassy's "limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens."
US Remains Committed to Slowing Iran’s Missile Program
The United States is leveling new sanctions against entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile, unmanned aerial vehicle and conventional arms industries.
European Central Bank moves ‘digital euro’ to next phase
The European Central Bank took a further step towards launching a digital version of the euro on Wednesday.
Jordan, Egypt Don’t Accept Gaza Refugees; 1 Million Face Uncertainty
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians faced an uncertain future Wednesday in wartorn Gaza after Jordan’s king Jordan told them they weren’t welcome in Jordan or Egypt.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Lebanon Rockets Target Israel As Frontlines Spread
With sirens wailing in northern Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Wednesday that “nine rocket launches from Lebanon” were detected.
US, Israel Agree On Limited “Life-Saving” Aid To Gaza
U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel had agreed to let “life-saving” humanitarian aid into Gaza, but the Jewish nation’s government made clear it was limited in scope and would be allowed only to enter from Egypt.
IDF says Hamas terrorists may be hiding in Israel’s Negev desert
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned Wednesday that a number of Palestinian terrorists may still be hiding in the Negev region of southern Israel after infiltrating during the brutal surprise attack on Israeli citizens by up to 2,000 members of the Hamas terror group on October 7, i24News reports.
PA to give families of Hamas terrorists nearly $3 million in “pay for slay” scheme
The Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas will pay the families of Hamas terrorists killed by Israel an estimated combined total payment of $2.8 million under a "pay-for-slay" system, the Jerusalem Post reports. The PA governs the West Bank, and is a political rival of Hamas, but it is still expected to reward the families of Hamas terrorists who kill Israelis.
US President Joe Biden Praises Israel’s Bravery And Blames Militants For Hospital Massacre
As rocket sirens wailed in some areas Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden landed in Israel, where he praised Israeli “bravery” and assured the Jewish nation that the United States supported its battle against the enemy.
Inside the United States
China Forced to Give Up Land Owned in US
Arkansas has become the first state to order that a Chinese company give up ownership of local land, amid fears of attempts by Beijing to malignly infiltrate and influence the U.S. through various means.
U.S. sending war supplies to Israel on ‘near-daily’ basis, Pentagon says
The U.S. has provided Israel with enough military firepower to fill five C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes since the start of its war with Hamas barely more than a week ago, and Pentagon officials say additional assistance is on the way.
Judge upholds Idaho law barring biological male students from using girls’ bathrooms
A judge in Idaho has upheld a state law that requires students with gender dysphoria to use the bathrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their biological sex rather than their preferred gender identity.
US Defense Department to pay $1.8 in settlement of vaccine mandate cases
A Florida District Court has ordered the US Defense Department to pay $1.8 million in legal fees as settlement for two lawsuits that challenged a former requirement that all American troops be vaccinated against COVID-19, Military.com reports.
Jordan fails to win House speakership in second round of voting
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, failed in the second round of voting in the House speaker election on the House floor Wednesday.
Worthy Watch
Protests Erupt Near American Embassy in Lebanon
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia issued a statement calling all Saudi citizens in Lebanon to return. Meanwhile, protests continued around the American Embassy in Beirut. The State Department raised a travel advisory for Lebanon urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the country "due to terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping" and the embassy's "limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens."