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
Iran-backed Yemen rebels expose limits of U.S. strategy
Iran-backed militant control over key areas of Yemen, despite a blistering assault by U.S.-backed Saudi and Emirati military forces, has sent a difficult message to Washington: Arab powers armed with American weaponry and targeting intelligence isn’t going to be enough to crush Tehran’s armed proxies around the Middle East.
Trump invites Putin to Washington
President Trump is inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Washington, the White House said Thursday, brushing aside the furor over Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election and catching many officials off guard, including the president’s director of national intelligence.
Putin's decision to raise retirement age sinks approval rating, triggers nationwide protests
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings have survived reports of high-level corruption and falling living standards in recent years, but they are now falling quickly because of a government plan to raise the national retirement age.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump's mideast peace team to Hamas: Stop terror in exchange for aid
Senior Advisor to US President Donald Trump Jared Kushner, Top Negotiator Jason Greenblatt and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman called on Hamas to stop terror, return Israeli prisoners to their families and, in exchange, receive aid to improve the situation in the Gaza Strip in a column published by the Washington Post Thursday night.
Israel Declares Itself 'Jewish State' with Jerusalem as its Eternal Capital
'We enshrined in law the basic principle of our existence,' said Netanyahu. 'Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, which respects the individual rights of all its citizens. This is our state -- the Jewish state. In recent years there have been some who have attempted to put this in doubt, to undercut the core of our being. Today we made it law: This is our nation, language and flag.'
Israeli military unveils new ‘dual-use’ tank
The Israeli army on Thursday revealed details of a new tank it is developing, designed more for use in guerrilla warfare conditions.
Syria Regains Control Over Frontier With Israel In Russia-Brokered Deal
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to regain control of his country's frontier with Israel in a major victory over rebels who have agreed to surrender in negotiations with Russia, sources on both sides say.
Russia concerned about military confrontation between Israel and Iran
Moscow is concerned by a possible military escalation between Iran and Israel and is doing everything possible to prevent a conflict between them, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan said in an interview with Russian daily Kommersant on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Judge orders extension of aid for Puerto Rico storm evacuees
A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered another extension of a temporary assistance program for hundreds of Puerto Rico families who fled the hurricane-ravaged island in 2017 and are living in hotels across the United States.
House Democrats see record $15.2M raised for midterms
House Democrats raised more than $15 million last month -- the highest monthly amount so far this year -- for the November midterm elections.
Christian News
Jail for Iranian pastor’s son found guilty of ‘acting against national security’
The son of an influential pastor silenced by the Iranian government has been handed a four-month jail sentence for his involvement with illegal house churches, World Watch Monitor has learnt.
New Study Casts Doubt on the Shroud of Turin, Here's Why
A new scientific study on the Shroud of Turin is questioning the claims that the shroud could have been the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
Iran-backed Yemen rebels expose limits of U.S. strategy
Iran-backed militant control over key areas of Yemen, despite a blistering assault by U.S.-backed Saudi and Emirati military forces, has sent a difficult message to Washington: Arab powers armed with American weaponry and targeting intelligence isn’t going to be enough to crush Tehran’s armed proxies around the Middle East.
Trump invites Putin to Washington
President Trump is inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Washington, the White House said Thursday, brushing aside the furor over Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 presidential election and catching many officials off guard, including the president’s director of national intelligence.
Putin's decision to raise retirement age sinks approval rating, triggers nationwide protests
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings have survived reports of high-level corruption and falling living standards in recent years, but they are now falling quickly because of a government plan to raise the national retirement age.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump's mideast peace team to Hamas: Stop terror in exchange for aid
Senior Advisor to US President Donald Trump Jared Kushner, Top Negotiator Jason Greenblatt and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman called on Hamas to stop terror, return Israeli prisoners to their families and, in exchange, receive aid to improve the situation in the Gaza Strip in a column published by the Washington Post Thursday night.
Israel Declares Itself 'Jewish State' with Jerusalem as its Eternal Capital
'We enshrined in law the basic principle of our existence,' said Netanyahu. 'Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people, which respects the individual rights of all its citizens. This is our state -- the Jewish state. In recent years there have been some who have attempted to put this in doubt, to undercut the core of our being. Today we made it law: This is our nation, language and flag.'
Israeli military unveils new ‘dual-use’ tank
The Israeli army on Thursday revealed details of a new tank it is developing, designed more for use in guerrilla warfare conditions.
Syria Regains Control Over Frontier With Israel In Russia-Brokered Deal
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to regain control of his country's frontier with Israel in a major victory over rebels who have agreed to surrender in negotiations with Russia, sources on both sides say.
Russia concerned about military confrontation between Israel and Iran
Moscow is concerned by a possible military escalation between Iran and Israel and is doing everything possible to prevent a conflict between them, Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan said in an interview with Russian daily Kommersant on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Judge orders extension of aid for Puerto Rico storm evacuees
A U.S. judge on Thursday ordered another extension of a temporary assistance program for hundreds of Puerto Rico families who fled the hurricane-ravaged island in 2017 and are living in hotels across the United States.
House Democrats see record $15.2M raised for midterms
House Democrats raised more than $15 million last month -- the highest monthly amount so far this year -- for the November midterm elections.
Christian News
Jail for Iranian pastor’s son found guilty of ‘acting against national security’
The son of an influential pastor silenced by the Iranian government has been handed a four-month jail sentence for his involvement with illegal house churches, World Watch Monitor has learnt.
New Study Casts Doubt on the Shroud of Turin, Here's Why
A new scientific study on the Shroud of Turin is questioning the claims that the shroud could have been the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
Around the World
Russian Envoy Briefs Iranian Regime on Trump-Putin Summit’s Syria Message
A top Russian envoy arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to brief Iranian leaders following this week’s summit in Helsinki between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Trump says he holds Putin responsible for election hacking
President Trump said Wednesday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ultimately responsible for Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential election, and that he warned Mr. Putin 'we can’t have this' meddling in the future.
Trump urges Erdogan to free US pastor held in Turkey
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Twitter to free an American pastor held in Turkey for nearly two years on terror charges.
Nikki Haley Slams Human Rights Council as ‘Greatest Failure’ of the UN
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday the United Nations' Human Rights Council is the 'greatest failure' of the international organization given its continued support to dictatorial regimes and entrenched bias against Israel.
Race for Russian warship’s ‘5,500 boxes of gold’ - rumoured to be worth US$133 billion - after wreck found in waters off South Korean island
Divers off the South Korean island of Ulleungdo have discovered the fabled wreck of the Dmitrii Donskoi, a Russian warship that was sunk in 1905 and is rumored to still contain 5,500 boxes of gold bars and coins said to be worth US$133 billion.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Russia said to work on return to 1974 deal for Syrian border area
Israel and Russia have been in talks regarding the imminent return of Syrian regime forces to the border region on the Golan Heights, reportedly with a view to reestablishing demarcation lines drawn up in 1974.
Hamas accepts Egyptian proposal to end dispute with Fatah
Hamas has accepted an Egyptian proposal to reconcile with Fatah and is awaiting a response from its rival Palestinian faction, senior Hamas officials said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
White House cheers House's $5 billion border wall bill
The White House on Wednesday backed a House spending bill that includes $5 billion to build a border wall, saying it will pay for another 200 miles of physical barrier on the border with Mexico.
Planned Parenthood Loses Legal Battle Over Trump's Title X Family Planning Rules
A federal judge has thrown out a legal challenge filed against the Trump administration by Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups challenging proposed changes to Title X grant funding for low-income family planning programs that critics say prioritize faith-based groups and organizations that promote sexual abstinence.
Challenge to Texas' fetus burial law could provide first abortion test for new Supreme Court
A federal judge in Texas is weighing whether the state can require a woman to bury or cremate her aborted fetus during a trial this week that pro-life and pro-choice activists predict could be the first abortion test for a newly configured Supreme Court next year.
California Supreme Court blocks measure to split the state into three
The California Supreme Court moved Wednesday to block a measure that would divide the state into three parts.
Christian News
Turkey Keeps American Pastor Behind Bars -- At Least for Three More Months
After nearly two years in a Turkish prison, hopes for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson have been deferred. A Turkish court ordered 50-year-old pastor to remain bars until at least his next hearing on October 12.
Muslim refugees from Syria are coming to faith in Jesus, says ministry leader
A Christian ministry assisting Syrian refugees in Lebanon who have lost everything has said that many Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, which lifts them out of depression, even as they face great struggles.
Russian Envoy Briefs Iranian Regime on Trump-Putin Summit’s Syria Message
A top Russian envoy arrived in Tehran on Wednesday to brief Iranian leaders following this week’s summit in Helsinki between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Trump says he holds Putin responsible for election hacking
President Trump said Wednesday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ultimately responsible for Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential election, and that he warned Mr. Putin 'we can’t have this' meddling in the future.
Trump urges Erdogan to free US pastor held in Turkey
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Twitter to free an American pastor held in Turkey for nearly two years on terror charges.
Nikki Haley Slams Human Rights Council as ‘Greatest Failure’ of the UN
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Wednesday the United Nations' Human Rights Council is the 'greatest failure' of the international organization given its continued support to dictatorial regimes and entrenched bias against Israel.
Race for Russian warship’s ‘5,500 boxes of gold’ - rumoured to be worth US$133 billion - after wreck found in waters off South Korean island
Divers off the South Korean island of Ulleungdo have discovered the fabled wreck of the Dmitrii Donskoi, a Russian warship that was sunk in 1905 and is rumored to still contain 5,500 boxes of gold bars and coins said to be worth US$133 billion.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Russia said to work on return to 1974 deal for Syrian border area
Israel and Russia have been in talks regarding the imminent return of Syrian regime forces to the border region on the Golan Heights, reportedly with a view to reestablishing demarcation lines drawn up in 1974.
Hamas accepts Egyptian proposal to end dispute with Fatah
Hamas has accepted an Egyptian proposal to reconcile with Fatah and is awaiting a response from its rival Palestinian faction, senior Hamas officials said on Wednesday.
Inside the United States
White House cheers House's $5 billion border wall bill
The White House on Wednesday backed a House spending bill that includes $5 billion to build a border wall, saying it will pay for another 200 miles of physical barrier on the border with Mexico.
Planned Parenthood Loses Legal Battle Over Trump's Title X Family Planning Rules
A federal judge has thrown out a legal challenge filed against the Trump administration by Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups challenging proposed changes to Title X grant funding for low-income family planning programs that critics say prioritize faith-based groups and organizations that promote sexual abstinence.
Challenge to Texas' fetus burial law could provide first abortion test for new Supreme Court
A federal judge in Texas is weighing whether the state can require a woman to bury or cremate her aborted fetus during a trial this week that pro-life and pro-choice activists predict could be the first abortion test for a newly configured Supreme Court next year.
California Supreme Court blocks measure to split the state into three
The California Supreme Court moved Wednesday to block a measure that would divide the state into three parts.
Christian News
Turkey Keeps American Pastor Behind Bars -- At Least for Three More Months
After nearly two years in a Turkish prison, hopes for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson have been deferred. A Turkish court ordered 50-year-old pastor to remain bars until at least his next hearing on October 12.
Muslim refugees from Syria are coming to faith in Jesus, says ministry leader
A Christian ministry assisting Syrian refugees in Lebanon who have lost everything has said that many Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, which lifts them out of depression, even as they face great struggles.
Around the World
Trump: 'Not one' European country has been improved by mass immigration
President Trump doubled down on previous comments he made regarding mass migration to Europe, saying 'not one' European country has been improved by a massive influx of immigrants and refugees.
Trump backs off siding with Russia over US intelligence
Blistered by bipartisan condemnation of his embrace of a longtime U.S. enemy, President Donald Trump backed away from his public undermining of American intelligence agencies, saying he simply misspoke when he said he saw no reason to believe Russia had interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Army told to prepare for large-scale military operation in Gaza
Israel’s political leadership has reportedly instructed the army to prepare for a military offensive in the Gaza Strip, to be initiated if the launching of incendiary devices from the Hamas-run coastal enclave into Israeli territory continues.
IDF strikes Gaza terror cell launching incendiary balloons into Israel
An Israeli army drone struck a Palestinian cell launching incendiary balloons from the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday afternoon.
IDF using autonomous drone system to try to intercept Gaza kites, balloons
The Israeli military has begun using an autonomous drone system to counter the threat of incendiary kites and balloons in the Gaza Strip, Hadashot news reported Tuesday.
Inside the United States
MGM sues Las Vegas shooting victims in push to avoid liability
MGM Resorts International has sued hundreds of victims of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history in a bid to avoid liability for the gunfire that rained down from its Mandalay Bay casino-resort in Las Vegas.
Powell backs more rate hikes as economy growing 'considerably stronger'
The U.S. economy is running at a fast enough pace to justify continued interest rate increases, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday.
Special counsel Robert Mueller asks for immunity for five potential witnesses in Paul Manafort trial
Special counsel Robert Mueller is asking a judge to grant immunity from prosecution for five potential witnesses whose testimony Mueller wants to compel at the upcoming federal criminal trial of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, according to a court filing Tuesday.
Yosemite wildfire increases to 12,500 acres
A deadly wildfire burning along the western edge of California's Yosemite National Park increased in size on Tuesday as it continued to expand to the east and south.
Christian News
Authorities in Algeria Seal Shut Another Church Building
Church leaders didn’t get an explanation for why the seventh worship building to be closed in Algeria since November was sealed last week, but they suspect lack of registration was the pretext.
Christians Forced Out of Nepal; Persecution Intensifies
Nepali Christians are facing new pressures from their government after authorities deported a Christian couple for evangelizing Hindus.
Pastor Brunson Faces Outlandish Charges in Turkish Court
On Wednesday American pastor Andrew Brunson -- unjustly detained in a Turkish prison for almost 20 months -- will appear in court. Turkish judges refused to release him after his previous two hearings on April 16 and May 7.
Trump: 'Not one' European country has been improved by mass immigration
President Trump doubled down on previous comments he made regarding mass migration to Europe, saying 'not one' European country has been improved by a massive influx of immigrants and refugees.
Trump backs off siding with Russia over US intelligence
Blistered by bipartisan condemnation of his embrace of a longtime U.S. enemy, President Donald Trump backed away from his public undermining of American intelligence agencies, saying he simply misspoke when he said he saw no reason to believe Russia had interfered in the 2016 U.S. election.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Army told to prepare for large-scale military operation in Gaza
Israel’s political leadership has reportedly instructed the army to prepare for a military offensive in the Gaza Strip, to be initiated if the launching of incendiary devices from the Hamas-run coastal enclave into Israeli territory continues.
IDF strikes Gaza terror cell launching incendiary balloons into Israel
An Israeli army drone struck a Palestinian cell launching incendiary balloons from the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday afternoon.
IDF using autonomous drone system to try to intercept Gaza kites, balloons
The Israeli military has begun using an autonomous drone system to counter the threat of incendiary kites and balloons in the Gaza Strip, Hadashot news reported Tuesday.
Inside the United States
MGM sues Las Vegas shooting victims in push to avoid liability
MGM Resorts International has sued hundreds of victims of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history in a bid to avoid liability for the gunfire that rained down from its Mandalay Bay casino-resort in Las Vegas.
Powell backs more rate hikes as economy growing 'considerably stronger'
The U.S. economy is running at a fast enough pace to justify continued interest rate increases, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday.
Special counsel Robert Mueller asks for immunity for five potential witnesses in Paul Manafort trial
Special counsel Robert Mueller is asking a judge to grant immunity from prosecution for five potential witnesses whose testimony Mueller wants to compel at the upcoming federal criminal trial of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, according to a court filing Tuesday.
Yosemite wildfire increases to 12,500 acres
A deadly wildfire burning along the western edge of California's Yosemite National Park increased in size on Tuesday as it continued to expand to the east and south.
Christian News
Authorities in Algeria Seal Shut Another Church Building
Church leaders didn’t get an explanation for why the seventh worship building to be closed in Algeria since November was sealed last week, but they suspect lack of registration was the pretext.
Christians Forced Out of Nepal; Persecution Intensifies
Nepali Christians are facing new pressures from their government after authorities deported a Christian couple for evangelizing Hindus.
Pastor Brunson Faces Outlandish Charges in Turkish Court
On Wednesday American pastor Andrew Brunson -- unjustly detained in a Turkish prison for almost 20 months -- will appear in court. Turkish judges refused to release him after his previous two hearings on April 16 and May 7.