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
European Central Bank announces €750B coronavirus stimulus
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced an economic stimulus program worth €750 billion Wednesday night.
Researchers say Japanese flu drug 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus
Early trials have shown that a Japanese flu drug is effective in treating the coronavirus, according to reports on Wednesday.
Oil falls 24% in 3rd worst day on record, sinks to more than 18-year low
Oil dropped 24% to a more than 18-year low on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sap demand for crude, and as rising worries about a global recession lead to fears of longer-term demand destruction.
U.S., Canada to close border
The U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, death toll passes 8,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide has now surpassed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll has topped 8,000.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seals its borders to all foreigners amid coronavirus outbreak
Israel announced Wednesday that it was barring all foreigners from entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Israel starts surveilling virus carriers, sends 400 who were nearby to isolation
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday it has begun using mass surveillance tools to retrace the movements of coronavirus carriers and has already informed 400 people in contact with them that they must enter quarantine.
Police told to prepare for ‘inevitable’ nationwide lockdown
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has instructed the Israel Police to prepare for a complete lockdown of the country, calling such a move 'inevitable.'
Inside the United States
President invokes Defense Production Act, closes border with Canada, initiates other measures
Referring to the fight against the novel coronavirus as a war, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country.
Trump to seek $500 billion in direct payments to Americans
Saying that 'in a sense' he is 'a wartime president,' President Donald Trump wants Congress to approve $500 billion in new spending to send money directly to American households reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Trump signs coronavirus aid package with paid sick leave, free testing
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package aimed at helping Americans impacted by the coronavirus.
Markets close down, wiping out nearly all gains of Trump presidency
U.S stocks closed markedly lower Wednesday — with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing nearly all gains since President Trump's inauguration.
Okla. Senate Passes Bill to Ban Abortion Once Baby's Heartbeat is Audible
The Oklahoma Senate voted (36-8) last Thursday to prohibit abortion as soon as a baby's heartbeat can be heard and/or as soon as a baby's brainwaves are present, which is usually around six weeks into pregnancy. The bill is now in the Oklahoma House, which is majority Republican, and it is expected to pass.
Magnitude-5.7 earthquake shakes Salt Lake City, closes airport
A strong magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck the Salt Lake City area on Wednesday, shaking buildings, closing the airport and cutting power to thousands.
Christian News
Ex-Terrorist Leads Indonesia's Christian Convert Movement
The married-father-of-three has come a long way since he nearly blew up a Protestant church in Jakarta. Author Ahmad Quraisy, which isn’t his family name, was a commander of the feared Islamic State of Indonesia (NII), an Indonesian militant group. But the former Islamic terrorist now leads an underground movement in Indonesia converting Muslims to Christianity or, in his words, 'personal faith in Christ.'
Gospel Spreads as Coronavirus in Indonesia's Jungle Villages
They suggest their faith in Christ spreads as fast as the new coronavirus. Pentecostal pastors of several Muslim dominated jungle villages in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province report church growth. That’s despite local protests, poverty, and occultism. 'I even received one hundred boxes of tiles from the village chief to complete our church building,' explains Pastor Frani Pondaag.
Lou Engle Calls Christians to Global 3-Day Esther Fast to End Coronavirus Starting Today
Christians are responding to the global spreading of the coronavirus with a new fasting and prayer movement.
Like It or Not – Churches Plunge Into Online Ministry
Churches across the country are grappling with an immediate need to provide online ministry at a time when meeting face-to-face is considered risky at best and life-threatening at worst.
European Central Bank announces €750B coronavirus stimulus
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced an economic stimulus program worth €750 billion Wednesday night.
Researchers say Japanese flu drug 'clearly effective' in treating coronavirus
Early trials have shown that a Japanese flu drug is effective in treating the coronavirus, according to reports on Wednesday.
Oil falls 24% in 3rd worst day on record, sinks to more than 18-year low
Oil dropped 24% to a more than 18-year low on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sap demand for crude, and as rising worries about a global recession lead to fears of longer-term demand destruction.
U.S., Canada to close border
The U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus cases top 200,000 worldwide, death toll passes 8,000
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide has now surpassed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll has topped 8,000.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel seals its borders to all foreigners amid coronavirus outbreak
Israel announced Wednesday that it was barring all foreigners from entering the country to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Israel starts surveilling virus carriers, sends 400 who were nearby to isolation
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday it has begun using mass surveillance tools to retrace the movements of coronavirus carriers and has already informed 400 people in contact with them that they must enter quarantine.
Police told to prepare for ‘inevitable’ nationwide lockdown
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan has instructed the Israel Police to prepare for a complete lockdown of the country, calling such a move 'inevitable.'
Inside the United States
President invokes Defense Production Act, closes border with Canada, initiates other measures
Referring to the fight against the novel coronavirus as a war, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to help protect the country.
Trump to seek $500 billion in direct payments to Americans
Saying that 'in a sense' he is 'a wartime president,' President Donald Trump wants Congress to approve $500 billion in new spending to send money directly to American households reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Trump signs coronavirus aid package with paid sick leave, free testing
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package aimed at helping Americans impacted by the coronavirus.
Markets close down, wiping out nearly all gains of Trump presidency
U.S stocks closed markedly lower Wednesday — with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing nearly all gains since President Trump's inauguration.
Okla. Senate Passes Bill to Ban Abortion Once Baby's Heartbeat is Audible
The Oklahoma Senate voted (36-8) last Thursday to prohibit abortion as soon as a baby's heartbeat can be heard and/or as soon as a baby's brainwaves are present, which is usually around six weeks into pregnancy. The bill is now in the Oklahoma House, which is majority Republican, and it is expected to pass.
Magnitude-5.7 earthquake shakes Salt Lake City, closes airport
A strong magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck the Salt Lake City area on Wednesday, shaking buildings, closing the airport and cutting power to thousands.
Christian News
Ex-Terrorist Leads Indonesia's Christian Convert Movement
The married-father-of-three has come a long way since he nearly blew up a Protestant church in Jakarta. Author Ahmad Quraisy, which isn’t his family name, was a commander of the feared Islamic State of Indonesia (NII), an Indonesian militant group. But the former Islamic terrorist now leads an underground movement in Indonesia converting Muslims to Christianity or, in his words, 'personal faith in Christ.'
Gospel Spreads as Coronavirus in Indonesia's Jungle Villages
They suggest their faith in Christ spreads as fast as the new coronavirus. Pentecostal pastors of several Muslim dominated jungle villages in Indonesia’s South Sumatra province report church growth. That’s despite local protests, poverty, and occultism. 'I even received one hundred boxes of tiles from the village chief to complete our church building,' explains Pastor Frani Pondaag.
Lou Engle Calls Christians to Global 3-Day Esther Fast to End Coronavirus Starting Today
Christians are responding to the global spreading of the coronavirus with a new fasting and prayer movement.
Like It or Not – Churches Plunge Into Online Ministry
Churches across the country are grappling with an immediate need to provide online ministry at a time when meeting face-to-face is considered risky at best and life-threatening at worst.
Around the World
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it 'stands ready' to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia's Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ministers approve controversial phone tracking program to halt virus
Israel’s caretaker government unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure allowing security services to deploy advanced digital monitoring tools in an effort track carriers of the coronavirus, despite widespread privacy concerns.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Dow drops nearly 3,000 points, as coronavirus collapse continues; worst day since ’87
Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the 'Black Monday' market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump: Next 15 days vital, but coronavirus response could last until middle of summer, even later
The White House Monday issued new COVID-19 guidelines for Americans to follow over a crucial 15-days period, as President Donald Trump said that ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus could continue on until the middle of summer or even longer.
First Human Vaccine Trial for Coronavirus Begins in Seattle
U.S. health officials say the first human trial has begun to test an experimental coronavirus vaccine, as scientists race to find treatments for the pandemic.
WH Coronavirus Coordinator: Limit Gatherings to Under 10 People - Even at Home
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coordinator of the coronavirus response team, said Monday that millennials 'are the core group' that will stop COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court postpones oral arguments over coronavirus fears
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it is postponing scheduled oral arguments through the month of March.
Fed says it will offer an additional $500 billion in overnight repo funding markets
A day after a dramatic move in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Monday increased the amount of liquidity it’s offering in short-term lending to the financial industry.
Trump administration to start $175M, 30-foot-tall border wall project in high traffic Texas region
The Trump administration awarded a $175 million contract to a construction company to build 15 miles of border wall in an area of southeastern Texas where no barrier exists, according to the federal agency overseeing wall projects.
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it 'stands ready' to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Coronavirus kills leading Iranian ayatollah, as worries intensify
A member of the Assembly of Experts, which has the power to appoint or dismiss the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died from the COVID-19 illness caused by the virus, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Monday.
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Amendments Allowing Putin To Rule Until 2036
Russia's Constitutional Court has approved constitutional amendments that could enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 16 years.
Europe mulls shutting external borders in fight against coronavirus
Europe proposed shutting its external borders to foreigners for 30 days on Monday in a bid to turn the page on its scramble to contain the coronavirus, but it drew criticism for doing too little, too late.
Chinese Economy Craters in First Two Months of 2020 Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
New economic data released Monday shows China’s economic activity in all areas plunged in the first two months of 2020 as the novel coronavirus outbreak first erupted and took hold in the world’s second-largest economy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ministers approve controversial phone tracking program to halt virus
Israel’s caretaker government unanimously approved on Tuesday a measure allowing security services to deploy advanced digital monitoring tools in an effort track carriers of the coronavirus, despite widespread privacy concerns.
IDF indicates Iran scaling back terror activity in light of coronavirus
The Israel Defense Forces indicated Monday its primary foe in the region, Iran, was curbing its activities as it grapples with a major outbreak of the coronavirus.
Inside the United States
Dow drops nearly 3,000 points, as coronavirus collapse continues; worst day since ’87
Stocks fell sharply Monday — with the Dow suffering its worst day since the 'Black Monday' market crash in 1987 and its third-worst day ever — even after the Federal Reserve embarked on a massive monetary stimulus campaign to curb slower economic growth amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump: Next 15 days vital, but coronavirus response could last until middle of summer, even later
The White House Monday issued new COVID-19 guidelines for Americans to follow over a crucial 15-days period, as President Donald Trump said that ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus could continue on until the middle of summer or even longer.
First Human Vaccine Trial for Coronavirus Begins in Seattle
U.S. health officials say the first human trial has begun to test an experimental coronavirus vaccine, as scientists race to find treatments for the pandemic.
WH Coronavirus Coordinator: Limit Gatherings to Under 10 People - Even at Home
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coordinator of the coronavirus response team, said Monday that millennials 'are the core group' that will stop COVID-19.
U.S. Supreme Court postpones oral arguments over coronavirus fears
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it is postponing scheduled oral arguments through the month of March.
Fed says it will offer an additional $500 billion in overnight repo funding markets
A day after a dramatic move in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Monday increased the amount of liquidity it’s offering in short-term lending to the financial industry.
Trump administration to start $175M, 30-foot-tall border wall project in high traffic Texas region
The Trump administration awarded a $175 million contract to a construction company to build 15 miles of border wall in an area of southeastern Texas where no barrier exists, according to the federal agency overseeing wall projects.
Around the World
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran’s 'Worst Nightmare' Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, 'dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.' The coronavirus 'has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.'
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Trump to extend coronavirus travel ban to UK and Ireland
The Trump administration will extend a 30-day ban on travel from European countries to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz receives unexpected majority, tasked with forming Israeli government
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming the next government, after the leftist former IDF chief gained a majority of seats in the Knesset with unexpected support.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Closed as Precaution against Coronavirus
Islamic religious authorities have closed the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. However, outdoor prayers will still be permitted outside the two shrines housed in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu weighs new, stricter measures to halt coronavirus pandemic
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at his office in Jerusalem late on Saturday afternoon to discuss further, more stringent measures Israel may take to halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Netanyahu sparks privacy scare with move to track corona patients’ phones
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday announced that Israel would begin using advanced digital monitoring tools to track carriers of the coronavirus, raising major privacy concerns and prompting accusations of mass surveillance.
Israel coronavirus cases climb to 164; nearly 40,000 in quarantine
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel climbed to 164 on Saturday, up 21 from Friday, with nearly 40,000 currently in home quarantines according to the Israeli Health Ministry. Of those with the virus, two are still in serious condition, 10 are in moderate condition, and four have recovered.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve cuts rates to zero and launches massive $700 billion quantitative easing program
The Federal Reserve, saying 'the coronavirus outbreak has harmed communities and disrupted economic activity in many countries, including the United States,' cut interest rates to essentially zero on Sunday and launched a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program to shelter the economy from the effects of the virus.
U.S. House passes package to provide coronavirus relief; Senate up next
The U.S. House early Saturday passed bipartisan legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Pandemic Prompts US National Emergency
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, clearing the way for more federal aid to stream to states and cities to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Stock market soars nearly 2,000 points, U.S. equities more than 9 percent after emergency declaration
At the close of business Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,985 points to 23,186, nearly recouping Thursday’s more than 2,300-point loss. The S&P 500 gained 228 to 2,709 and the Nasdaq Composite was up by 672 points to 7,874.
Mexico considering restrictions on US border amid coronavirus fears
Mexico could consider measures at its northern border to slow the spread of the coronavirus into its relatively unaffected territory, health officials said on Friday, with an eye to containing a US outbreak that has infected more than 2,000 people.
Christian News
Three-Self Church in China becomes secret house church
A church in China formerly part of the government-recognized Three-self branch of churches was shut down, propelling around 200 believers to begin to meet in secret.
Finnish MP under investigation for supporting biblical view of sexuality
A Finnish Member of Parliament is under investigation for expressing the biblical view of sexuality in a series of television interviews, police charging her with "hate speech" in a case that civil liberties groups are seeing as a harbinger of ill-fortune for free speech.
Many more Christians killed in Nigeria than was once thought
A Nigerian civil society grouped has traced the genocidal activities of Muslim groups in that country and found that earlier estimates of the numbers of Christians killed over the last few years were far too modest.
President Trump Declares This Sunday a National Day of Prayer
President Donald Trump declared Sunday, March 15, as a National Day of Prayer.
All 16 Dead Sea scroll fragments at DC museum revealed as fake
The 16 Dead Seas scroll fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, are forgeries, museum officials said Friday.
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran’s 'Worst Nightmare' Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, 'dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.' The coronavirus 'has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.'
Iran Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 600, Syria Shuts Schools
Iran said Saturday the coronavirus outbreak has killed another 97 people, pushing the death toll in the country to 611, as war-ravaged Syria announced a number of strict measures despite the government saying it has no confirmed cases.
Trump to extend coronavirus travel ban to UK and Ireland
The Trump administration will extend a 30-day ban on travel from European countries to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz receives unexpected majority, tasked with forming Israeli government
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will task Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with forming the next government, after the leftist former IDF chief gained a majority of seats in the Knesset with unexpected support.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Closed as Precaution against Coronavirus
Islamic religious authorities have closed the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. However, outdoor prayers will still be permitted outside the two shrines housed in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu weighs new, stricter measures to halt coronavirus pandemic
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at his office in Jerusalem late on Saturday afternoon to discuss further, more stringent measures Israel may take to halt the coronavirus pandemic.
Netanyahu sparks privacy scare with move to track corona patients’ phones
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday announced that Israel would begin using advanced digital monitoring tools to track carriers of the coronavirus, raising major privacy concerns and prompting accusations of mass surveillance.
Israel coronavirus cases climb to 164; nearly 40,000 in quarantine
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel climbed to 164 on Saturday, up 21 from Friday, with nearly 40,000 currently in home quarantines according to the Israeli Health Ministry. Of those with the virus, two are still in serious condition, 10 are in moderate condition, and four have recovered.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve cuts rates to zero and launches massive $700 billion quantitative easing program
The Federal Reserve, saying 'the coronavirus outbreak has harmed communities and disrupted economic activity in many countries, including the United States,' cut interest rates to essentially zero on Sunday and launched a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program to shelter the economy from the effects of the virus.
U.S. House passes package to provide coronavirus relief; Senate up next
The U.S. House early Saturday passed bipartisan legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Pandemic Prompts US National Emergency
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency, clearing the way for more federal aid to stream to states and cities to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Stock market soars nearly 2,000 points, U.S. equities more than 9 percent after emergency declaration
At the close of business Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,985 points to 23,186, nearly recouping Thursday’s more than 2,300-point loss. The S&P 500 gained 228 to 2,709 and the Nasdaq Composite was up by 672 points to 7,874.
Mexico considering restrictions on US border amid coronavirus fears
Mexico could consider measures at its northern border to slow the spread of the coronavirus into its relatively unaffected territory, health officials said on Friday, with an eye to containing a US outbreak that has infected more than 2,000 people.
Christian News
Three-Self Church in China becomes secret house church
A church in China formerly part of the government-recognized Three-self branch of churches was shut down, propelling around 200 believers to begin to meet in secret.
Finnish MP under investigation for supporting biblical view of sexuality
A Finnish Member of Parliament is under investigation for expressing the biblical view of sexuality in a series of television interviews, police charging her with "hate speech" in a case that civil liberties groups are seeing as a harbinger of ill-fortune for free speech.
Many more Christians killed in Nigeria than was once thought
A Nigerian civil society grouped has traced the genocidal activities of Muslim groups in that country and found that earlier estimates of the numbers of Christians killed over the last few years were far too modest.
President Trump Declares This Sunday a National Day of Prayer
President Donald Trump declared Sunday, March 15, as a National Day of Prayer.
All 16 Dead Sea scroll fragments at DC museum revealed as fake
The 16 Dead Seas scroll fragments housed at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, are forgeries, museum officials said Friday.