Prophecy News Watch - December 23, 2024

Around the World
Biden Administration Removes Bounty On Syria’s New Leader, Signals Policy Shift
U.S. sanctions on Syria remain intact following a Friday meeting between the U.S. State Department and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Golani). However, the bounty on al-Sharaa has been lifted, signaling a notable shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
US kills ISIS leader Abu Yusif As Group Tries to Free Operatives in Syria
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that its forces carried out a precision airstrike on Thursday in Syria's Dayr az Zawr Province, targeting ISIS leader Abu Yusif. The strike successfully eliminated him along with another ISIS operative. This action comes as the U.S. intensifies efforts to prevent the terrorist group's attempts to liberate 8,000 ISIS operatives currently detained in Syrian jails.
At Least 5 Killed In German Christmas Market Attack
Authorities say at least five people have been killed, including a child, and more than 200 injured after a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg. The German chancellor has expressed his shock about the apparent attack.
Russian Missiles Rain Down On Ukraine; Numerous Killed and Injured
The second oldest church in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was among sites hit by Russian ballistic missiles and other weapons, killing at least two personals and injuring over 20 people, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said his forces were winning on the bloodstained frontlines.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Fumes Over Pope’s Gaza Remarks After ‘Dozens’ Die In Strikes
Israel lashed out at Pope Francis for condemning Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and suggesting the world should investigate whether Israel’s military offensive there constitutes a “genocide” after dozens of Palestinians, including children, allegedly died in weekend attacks.
US Strikes Houthis After Rocket From Yemen Injures Dozens In Israel
The U.S. military says it has conducted airstrikes targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control post operated by Houthis in Yemen after the Iran-backed group struck Israel, injuring dozens of people.

Inside the United States
Biden Signs Stopgap Funding Bill After Last-Minute Votes in Congress
President Joe Biden on Saturday signed the Continuing Resolution approved by Congress that keeps the federal government operating until March.
Trump Promises to Cut ‘Hundreds of Billions’ in Federal Spending Next Year
President-elect Donald Trump promised to cut "hundreds of billions" in federal spending in 2025 after demanding Congress pass a short-term measure to fund the government that includes lifting the debt ceiling.