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
UN experts say South Sudan peace deal is at risk
UN experts are concerned South Sudan’s peace deal is at risk because unity government partners are arguing about security and resources instead of implementing the terms of the 2018 agreement, VOA News reports. A panel of experts on South Sudan reported to the UN Security Council last week that “selective and incomplete implementation” of agreed security arrangements threatened peace and stability in the country.
World Rushing To Find Vaccine After $8 Billion Pledge
Donors have pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8 billion) for developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus disease COVID-19. But after the online-meeting with world leaders, banks and organizations, officials warned more money might be necessary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Strikes attributed to Israel hit Iran-linked defense labs, Shiite militia bases
Airstrikes presumed to be Israeli targeted Iran-linked arms warehouses east of Aleppo in northern Syria and militia bases in Deir Ezzor in the east of the country late Monday night, a Syrian war monitor said.
High Court dismisses petitions against Netanyahu-led government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on corruption charges does not disqualify him from forming a government, Israel's top court ruled unanimously on Wednesday, paving the way for the veteran leader to remain in power.
Pompeo said planning Israel visit next week to meet with Netanyahu, Gantz
S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel next week and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz, several Hebrew media outlets reported Wednesday.
Israel Claims Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Israel says its leading biological research laboratory has made a “significant breakthrough” toward a possible treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the United States
National debt surpasses $25 trillion amid coronavirus pandemic
On Wednesday, the national debt soared above $25 trillion as Congress continues to approve massive spending projects to alleviate consequences resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
House to vote on massive new round of economic aid 'as early as next week'
A top Democrat said Wednesday the House could return next week to pass a major economic aid bill aimed at providing more than $1 trillion in local aid, bonus pay for front-line workers, and a bailout of U.S. Postal Service debt.
Trump vetoes resolution limiting war powers against Iran
President Trump condemned Democrats after vetoing a resolution that would have limited his ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval.
High Number of Background Checks for Firearms Purchase in April
The FBI recorded 2.9 million background checks for the purchase of firearms in the month of April, the Washington Examiner reported. Under US federal law, all gun distributors must run background checks with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to ascertain buyers have no criminal record preventing them from owning a gun.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UN experts say South Sudan peace deal is at risk
UN experts are concerned South Sudan’s peace deal is at risk because unity government partners are arguing about security and resources instead of implementing the terms of the 2018 agreement, VOA News reports. A panel of experts on South Sudan reported to the UN Security Council last week that “selective and incomplete implementation” of agreed security arrangements threatened peace and stability in the country.
World Rushing To Find Vaccine After $8 Billion Pledge
Donors have pledged 7.4 billion euros ($8 billion) for developing a vaccine against the new coronavirus disease COVID-19. But after the online-meeting with world leaders, banks and organizations, officials warned more money might be necessary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Strikes attributed to Israel hit Iran-linked defense labs, Shiite militia bases
Airstrikes presumed to be Israeli targeted Iran-linked arms warehouses east of Aleppo in northern Syria and militia bases in Deir Ezzor in the east of the country late Monday night, a Syrian war monitor said.
High Court dismisses petitions against Netanyahu-led government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on corruption charges does not disqualify him from forming a government, Israel's top court ruled unanimously on Wednesday, paving the way for the veteran leader to remain in power.
Pompeo said planning Israel visit next week to meet with Netanyahu, Gantz
S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel next week and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz, several Hebrew media outlets reported Wednesday.
Israel Claims Potential COVID-19 Treatment
Israel says its leading biological research laboratory has made a “significant breakthrough” toward a possible treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the United States
National debt surpasses $25 trillion amid coronavirus pandemic
On Wednesday, the national debt soared above $25 trillion as Congress continues to approve massive spending projects to alleviate consequences resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
House to vote on massive new round of economic aid 'as early as next week'
A top Democrat said Wednesday the House could return next week to pass a major economic aid bill aimed at providing more than $1 trillion in local aid, bonus pay for front-line workers, and a bailout of U.S. Postal Service debt.
Trump vetoes resolution limiting war powers against Iran
President Trump condemned Democrats after vetoing a resolution that would have limited his ability to use military action against Iran without congressional approval.
High Number of Background Checks for Firearms Purchase in April
The FBI recorded 2.9 million background checks for the purchase of firearms in the month of April, the Washington Examiner reported. Under US federal law, all gun distributors must run background checks with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to ascertain buyers have no criminal record preventing them from owning a gun.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
Around the World
Iran Cancels Annual 'Death to Israel' Rallies Because of COVID-19
Iran officially called off its annual anti-Israel al-Quds Day rallies due to the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S., Britain to begin post-Brexit trade negotiations
The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement.
'Mind boggling' 122 million jobs lost in India, says think tank
The world’s biggest lockdown forced 122 million people out of jobs in India last month, according to estimates from a leading private sector think tank.
Trump administration blaming China for COVID-19 pandemic
President Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have each said in recent days that there is significant evidence COVID-19 originated in a lab in China’s Wuhan province. At the same time, the Trump administration says it is looking into the cause of the coronavirus outbreak and has not published the evidence referred to. China has vehemently denied the allegations.
U.S and UK Navy vessels sail into the Arctic, near Russia
In the first such operation since the Cold War of the 1980s, U.S and British Navy vessels sailed into the Arctic Barents Sea Monday, between the northwest coast of Russia and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The US military said Russia had been given prior notice of the operation in order to avoid any “inadvertent escalation.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian, Iraqi Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Air Strikes In Syria
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria have killed 14 Iranian and Iraqi fighters, a group monitoring the Syrian war says.
Likud, Blue and White agree to revise coalition deal after High Court criticism
The Likud and Blue and White parties on Tuesday agreed to revise a number of clauses in their agreement to form a new government, after the High Court of Justice signaled they could be struck down.
Israel extends coronavirus cell phone surveillance by 3 weeks
A parliamentary panel on Tuesday authorized Shin Bet security service to continue using mobile phone data to track people infected by the coronavirus until May 26, prolonging an initiative described by critics as a threat to privacy.
Western Wall reopens to worshipers after coronavirus restrictions relaxed
The Western Wall Plaza reopened to worshipers on Tuesday morning.
Inside the United States
Two-thirds of people question accuracy of US coronavirus death toll: Survey
A poll from Axios and Ipsos found 67% of respondents do not believe the COVID-19 death toll, which as of Monday stood at around 69,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, including data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Consumer debt hits new record of $14.3 trillion
Consumer debt hit a fresh record high to start 2020, even as credit card balances declined while Americans adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UK Christian Fostering Agency Downgraded by Government for Unlawful Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
An independent Christian adoption and fostering agency in England has been downgraded by a government regulator for “unlawful discrimination against same-sex couples” in that it only places children with opposite-sex Christian couples. The agency is seeking Judicial Review of last year’s decision and the case will be heard in Leeds High Court on Wednesday and Thursday.
China Church Members Injured In Attacks, Properties Damaged
Christians in south-eastern China were recovering of serious injuries Tuesday after suffering attacks during a Sunday service amid a government crackdown on unregistered churches, rights activists told Worthy News. Church properties were also damaged in the May 3 violence against Xingguang Church in Xiamen city in China's Fujian province, added advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Iran Cancels Annual 'Death to Israel' Rallies Because of COVID-19
Iran officially called off its annual anti-Israel al-Quds Day rallies due to the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S., Britain to begin post-Brexit trade negotiations
The United States and Britain will begin negotiations Tuesday on a post-Brexit free-trade agreement.
'Mind boggling' 122 million jobs lost in India, says think tank
The world’s biggest lockdown forced 122 million people out of jobs in India last month, according to estimates from a leading private sector think tank.
Trump administration blaming China for COVID-19 pandemic
President Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have each said in recent days that there is significant evidence COVID-19 originated in a lab in China’s Wuhan province. At the same time, the Trump administration says it is looking into the cause of the coronavirus outbreak and has not published the evidence referred to. China has vehemently denied the allegations.
U.S and UK Navy vessels sail into the Arctic, near Russia
In the first such operation since the Cold War of the 1980s, U.S and British Navy vessels sailed into the Arctic Barents Sea Monday, between the northwest coast of Russia and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. The US military said Russia had been given prior notice of the operation in order to avoid any “inadvertent escalation.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian, Iraqi Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Air Strikes In Syria
Israeli airstrikes in eastern Syria have killed 14 Iranian and Iraqi fighters, a group monitoring the Syrian war says.
Likud, Blue and White agree to revise coalition deal after High Court criticism
The Likud and Blue and White parties on Tuesday agreed to revise a number of clauses in their agreement to form a new government, after the High Court of Justice signaled they could be struck down.
Israel extends coronavirus cell phone surveillance by 3 weeks
A parliamentary panel on Tuesday authorized Shin Bet security service to continue using mobile phone data to track people infected by the coronavirus until May 26, prolonging an initiative described by critics as a threat to privacy.
Western Wall reopens to worshipers after coronavirus restrictions relaxed
The Western Wall Plaza reopened to worshipers on Tuesday morning.
Inside the United States
Two-thirds of people question accuracy of US coronavirus death toll: Survey
A poll from Axios and Ipsos found 67% of respondents do not believe the COVID-19 death toll, which as of Monday stood at around 69,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, including data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Consumer debt hits new record of $14.3 trillion
Consumer debt hit a fresh record high to start 2020, even as credit card balances declined while Americans adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian News
Israel Threatens To Ban Evangelical TV Channel
Israel's government has threatened to close down an evangelical television channel broadcasting in Hebrew if it violates laws on proselytizing and missionary activities. Tuesday's announcement came after global network GOD TV launched Shelanu ("Ours") to spread "the gospel of Jesus Christ into the homes and lives and hearts of the Jewish people."
UK Christian Fostering Agency Downgraded by Government for Unlawful Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
An independent Christian adoption and fostering agency in England has been downgraded by a government regulator for “unlawful discrimination against same-sex couples” in that it only places children with opposite-sex Christian couples. The agency is seeking Judicial Review of last year’s decision and the case will be heard in Leeds High Court on Wednesday and Thursday.
China Church Members Injured In Attacks, Properties Damaged
Christians in south-eastern China were recovering of serious injuries Tuesday after suffering attacks during a Sunday service amid a government crackdown on unregistered churches, rights activists told Worthy News. Church properties were also damaged in the May 3 violence against Xingguang Church in Xiamen city in China's Fujian province, added advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Around the World
US Defense Secretary: Afghanistan Peace Process 'Behind Schedule'
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the peace process in Afghanistan is not going as quickly as expected, with the Taliban failing to reduce violence in the war-torn country.
Hungary Remembers First Free Parliament Amid Rights Concerns
The 30th anniversary of Hungary's first freely elected Parliament since the end of Communist dictatorship has been overshadowed by fresh doubts over the government's democratic credentials. Opposition parties stayed away from this weekend's ceremony in Parliament, citing concerns about policies by the increasingly autocratic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Pakistan Province Announces Compulsory Study of Quran in All Universities
The governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province has announced it will be compulsory for all students in all provincial universities to attend lectures on the Quran, The New International reports. The announcement has raised concerns for the welfare of the many Christian students in Punjab.
World Leaders Pledge Billions For Coronavirus Vaccine
An international pledging marathon has begun where world leaders are to raise at least 7.5 billion euros ($8.2 billion) to find a coronavirus vaccine. With social distancing the world's new norm, world leaders choose video conferencing to raise the billions of dollars needed for research into a possible vaccine.
Iran Threatens To Abandon Nuclear Deal
Iran has suggested it will abandon an already shaky deal to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons if an arms embargo on Tehran remains in place. The United States wants to extend the ban, which was due to end in October this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
High Court reconvenes for hearing on validity of Netanyahu-Gantz unity deal
The High Court of Justice reconvened Monday for the second day of hearings on petitions against allowing indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government, as well as against the unprecedented rotational unity deal he inked with Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz which demands significant changes to Israel’s semi-constitutional Basic Laws.
PM warns of possible 4th elections if High Court intervenes in coalition deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that the High Court of Justice should not interfere with his efforts to form a government between his Likud party and Blue and White, and warned that if it did so it would increase the chances of a fourth election. The High Court on Sunday heard petitions against the tasking of Netanyahu with forming a government, due to his indictment on graft charges, and on Monday considered petitions against the Likud-Blue and White coalition deal, which stipulates profound changes to Israel’s constitutional order.
Inside the United States
Treasury to borrow $3 trillion in second quarter, far more than during financial crisis
The Treasury Department announced on Monday that it expects to borrow $3 trillion during the second quarter this year.
US Supreme Court Justices 'Phone It In' for the First Time in Hearing a Case
The Supreme Court’s historic livestreaming of its first-ever oral argument by telephone went without a hitch on Monday, spurring new calls for the high court to keep up the practice for the public's benefit.
AG Barr directs U.S. Attorneys to protect constitutional rights, follows Texas guidance issued one week earlier
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has directed every U.S. Attorney “to be on the lookout for state and local directives that could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.”
Trump administration says Planned Parenthood does not qualify for small business loans
A senior US government official has said that clinics run by abortion provider Planned Parenthood will not qualify for a federal aid program being offered to small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Part of the wider Cares Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is intended to support businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Christian News
Muslim Herdsmen Kill 13 Christians In Nigeria; Many Displaced
More than 1,000 people are reportedly fleeing their homes in Nigeria's northwestern Kaduna state after at least 13 Christians were killed in attacks and kidnappings by Muslim Fulani herdsmen. Local Christians identified the victims as members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Catholic, Baptist, United Church of Christ in Nations (HEKAN), or Assemblies of God churches.
US Churches Hold In-Person Services on ReOpen Sunday
After weeks of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, churches across America were encouraged to hold in-person services again on May 3, Fox News reports. This date was the first Sunday since the US government launched its reopening plan and allowed congregants to attend church in person.
US Defense Secretary: Afghanistan Peace Process 'Behind Schedule'
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the peace process in Afghanistan is not going as quickly as expected, with the Taliban failing to reduce violence in the war-torn country.
Hungary Remembers First Free Parliament Amid Rights Concerns
The 30th anniversary of Hungary's first freely elected Parliament since the end of Communist dictatorship has been overshadowed by fresh doubts over the government's democratic credentials. Opposition parties stayed away from this weekend's ceremony in Parliament, citing concerns about policies by the increasingly autocratic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Pakistan Province Announces Compulsory Study of Quran in All Universities
The governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province has announced it will be compulsory for all students in all provincial universities to attend lectures on the Quran, The New International reports. The announcement has raised concerns for the welfare of the many Christian students in Punjab.
World Leaders Pledge Billions For Coronavirus Vaccine
An international pledging marathon has begun where world leaders are to raise at least 7.5 billion euros ($8.2 billion) to find a coronavirus vaccine. With social distancing the world's new norm, world leaders choose video conferencing to raise the billions of dollars needed for research into a possible vaccine.
Iran Threatens To Abandon Nuclear Deal
Iran has suggested it will abandon an already shaky deal to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons if an arms embargo on Tehran remains in place. The United States wants to extend the ban, which was due to end in October this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
High Court reconvenes for hearing on validity of Netanyahu-Gantz unity deal
The High Court of Justice reconvened Monday for the second day of hearings on petitions against allowing indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government, as well as against the unprecedented rotational unity deal he inked with Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz which demands significant changes to Israel’s semi-constitutional Basic Laws.
PM warns of possible 4th elections if High Court intervenes in coalition deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that the High Court of Justice should not interfere with his efforts to form a government between his Likud party and Blue and White, and warned that if it did so it would increase the chances of a fourth election. The High Court on Sunday heard petitions against the tasking of Netanyahu with forming a government, due to his indictment on graft charges, and on Monday considered petitions against the Likud-Blue and White coalition deal, which stipulates profound changes to Israel’s constitutional order.
Inside the United States
Treasury to borrow $3 trillion in second quarter, far more than during financial crisis
The Treasury Department announced on Monday that it expects to borrow $3 trillion during the second quarter this year.
US Supreme Court Justices 'Phone It In' for the First Time in Hearing a Case
The Supreme Court’s historic livestreaming of its first-ever oral argument by telephone went without a hitch on Monday, spurring new calls for the high court to keep up the practice for the public's benefit.
AG Barr directs U.S. Attorneys to protect constitutional rights, follows Texas guidance issued one week earlier
U.S. Attorney General William Barr has directed every U.S. Attorney “to be on the lookout for state and local directives that could be violating the constitutional rights and civil liberties of individual citizens.”
Trump administration says Planned Parenthood does not qualify for small business loans
A senior US government official has said that clinics run by abortion provider Planned Parenthood will not qualify for a federal aid program being offered to small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Part of the wider Cares Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is intended to support businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Christian News
Muslim Herdsmen Kill 13 Christians In Nigeria; Many Displaced
More than 1,000 people are reportedly fleeing their homes in Nigeria's northwestern Kaduna state after at least 13 Christians were killed in attacks and kidnappings by Muslim Fulani herdsmen. Local Christians identified the victims as members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Catholic, Baptist, United Church of Christ in Nations (HEKAN), or Assemblies of God churches.
US Churches Hold In-Person Services on ReOpen Sunday
After weeks of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, churches across America were encouraged to hold in-person services again on May 3, Fox News reports. This date was the first Sunday since the US government launched its reopening plan and allowed congregants to attend church in person.