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
South Korea, U.S. Demand Iran Release Tanker Seized In Strait Of Hormuz
South Korea and the United States have demanded the release of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker seized by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Boris Johnson announces coronavirus lockdown, cases continue to rise
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a national lockdown through mid-February in an effort to combat a variant of the coronavirus that is continuing to rapidly spread in the region.
British Court Halts U.S. Extradition Of Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange
A British court says the founder of whistleblower news site Wikileaks, Julian Assange, cannot be extradited to the United States where he is wanted for revealing state secrets. The London judge cited concerns over Assange's mental health and risk of suicide.
US Aircraft Carrier to remain in Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will stay in the Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran, the Times of Israel reported. The announcement came after reports that the vessel would be returning to the US after having patrolled the Gulf since the end of November.
Explosion in Lebanon injures at least 10 people
At least 10 people were injured when an explosion erupted in a warehouse holding gas canisters in Lebanon Sunday, France24 reports. The wounded were rushed to the hospital by Lebanese Red Cross rescuers who had been sent to the site of the explosion near Lebanon’s border with Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Defense minister urges purchase of a third squadron of F-35s
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Monday that Israel should purchase a third squadron of the advanced F-35 strike aircraft from the US and that he has already brought up the topic with the Washington officials.
Health Ministry releases demo of COVID-19 green passport app
A demo of the proposed design for the green passport app was presented today by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash at a meeting of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Monday.
Former Mossad chiefs: Iran unlikely to avenge Soleimani assassination until after Biden inauguration
Two former Mossad directors and a former Israeli National Security Council director have each stated that Iran will likely wait until after American President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20 to seek revenge for the US assassination of Quds Force Chief Qasem Soleimani a year ago, the Jerusalem Post reported Sunday.
Inside the United States
State senators in Georgia want VP Pence to postpone Jan. 6 electoral vote counting
Some Georgia state senators have signed on to a letter requesting that Vice President Mike Pence postpone the count of electoral votes slated to occur this week on Jan. 6.
Pelosi Re-elected US House Speaker
Representative Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday for her fourth term, with a narrower Democratic majority in the chamber and challenges ahead.
Christian News
German Police Raid Church Service Amid Europe Crackdown
German police stormed a church service as pressure mounts on Europe's devoted Christians to stop gathering or accept government rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas Church Shooting Kills Pastor, Injures Two
A devoted Christian community in the U.S. state of Texas was left grieving after their pastor was killed and two others injured Sunday.
South Korea, U.S. Demand Iran Release Tanker Seized In Strait Of Hormuz
South Korea and the United States have demanded the release of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker seized by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Boris Johnson announces coronavirus lockdown, cases continue to rise
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a national lockdown through mid-February in an effort to combat a variant of the coronavirus that is continuing to rapidly spread in the region.
British Court Halts U.S. Extradition Of Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange
A British court says the founder of whistleblower news site Wikileaks, Julian Assange, cannot be extradited to the United States where he is wanted for revealing state secrets. The London judge cited concerns over Assange's mental health and risk of suicide.
US Aircraft Carrier to remain in Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran
The Pentagon announced Sunday that the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will stay in the Persian Gulf because of “recent threats” by Iran, the Times of Israel reported. The announcement came after reports that the vessel would be returning to the US after having patrolled the Gulf since the end of November.
Explosion in Lebanon injures at least 10 people
At least 10 people were injured when an explosion erupted in a warehouse holding gas canisters in Lebanon Sunday, France24 reports. The wounded were rushed to the hospital by Lebanese Red Cross rescuers who had been sent to the site of the explosion near Lebanon’s border with Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Defense minister urges purchase of a third squadron of F-35s
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Monday that Israel should purchase a third squadron of the advanced F-35 strike aircraft from the US and that he has already brought up the topic with the Washington officials.
Health Ministry releases demo of COVID-19 green passport app
A demo of the proposed design for the green passport app was presented today by coronavirus commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash at a meeting of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Monday.
Former Mossad chiefs: Iran unlikely to avenge Soleimani assassination until after Biden inauguration
Two former Mossad directors and a former Israeli National Security Council director have each stated that Iran will likely wait until after American President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20 to seek revenge for the US assassination of Quds Force Chief Qasem Soleimani a year ago, the Jerusalem Post reported Sunday.
Inside the United States
State senators in Georgia want VP Pence to postpone Jan. 6 electoral vote counting
Some Georgia state senators have signed on to a letter requesting that Vice President Mike Pence postpone the count of electoral votes slated to occur this week on Jan. 6.
Pelosi Re-elected US House Speaker
Representative Nancy Pelosi was elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Sunday for her fourth term, with a narrower Democratic majority in the chamber and challenges ahead.
Christian News
German Police Raid Church Service Amid Europe Crackdown
German police stormed a church service as pressure mounts on Europe's devoted Christians to stop gathering or accept government rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Texas Church Shooting Kills Pastor, Injures Two
A devoted Christian community in the U.S. state of Texas was left grieving after their pastor was killed and two others injured Sunday.
Around the World
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.
2021: 3 Supermoons, 2 Blood Moons And A Sunrise ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse
Sky watchers have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with three “supermoons,” one blue moon, and two lunar eclipses all taking place during the new year.
Iran to enrich uranium to 20% as anniversary of Soleimani killing approaches
Iran announced a day before the one-year anniversary of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani’s death that it is planning to enrich uranium to 20% in an apparent violation of the nuclear deal.
Russian pipeline bypassing Ukraine advances
A major new Russian pipeline designed to bypass Ukraine to supply southeastern Europe got a major symbolic boost on New Year’s Day as Serbian President Alexandar Vucic officially proclaimed the first nearly 250 miles of the Balkan Stream natural gas pipeline to be open for business.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan resume Nile dam talks
The three African nations at the center of a spat over the controversial building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam resumed talks on Sunday, officials said.
Russia Rushes Vaccines As COVID-Cases Spread
Russia says over 800,000 people have been vaccinated with its new jab against the coronavirus. More than 1.5 million vaccine doses were dispatched across the country as the nation increases its vaccination drive over the New Year period despite controversy about its Sputnik V vaccine.
Young Journalist Killed In Afghanistan
A young Afghan journalist has been shot dead in western Afghanistan, the fifth media professional to be killed within two months in the war-ravaged nation, officials confirmed Saturday.
Bosnian Army Offering Tents For Desperate Refugees
There was a glimmer of hope Saturday for some 1,000 freezing people stuck in a burned-out refugee camp in Bosnia after the army began placing tents to fend freezing winter weather.
More Fatal Plane Crashes Despite Drop in Flights
More people were killed in plane crashes last year than in 2019 despite a massive drop in fights due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Dutch aviation consultancy firm says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel ships 2nd of two Iron Dome batteries to US, hopes to sell more
Israel shipped the second of two Iron Dome missile defense systems to the US Army over the weekend, with hopes to sell more batteries to the Americans in the future, the Defense Ministry said Sunday.
Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Saturday that he had reached agreement with the rival Hamas movement to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Hamas did not immediately comment on Abbas’s announcement.
Inside the United States
Cruz to lead group of GOP senators in challenge to Electoral College certification
Sen. Ted Cruz is leading a delegation of Republican senators who are planning to challenge the Electoral College certification and demand an emergency audit.
US bans anonymous shell companies, passing ‘historic’ anti-corruption legislation
The United States banned anonymous shell companies through the defense bill vetoed by President Trump last month but passed in Congress on Friday.
U.S. Congress Overrides Trump‘s Defense Veto
The U.S. Congress has overturned President Donald J. Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, a first by legislators since he took office nearly four years ago.
Christian News
Islamist Militants Kill Dozens In Niger
Suspected Islamist militants have killed scores of people in simultaneous attacks on two villages in Niger, near the border with Mali, security officials said.
China Jails Christian Journalist For COVID-19 Investigations
China faces international pressure for sentencing an independent Christian journalist to four-year imprisonment over her coverage of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. Zhang Zhan, 37, reportedly saw it as "God's will' to be among the few people whose firsthand accounts from crowded hospitals and empty streets painted a more gloomy picture of the COVID-19 epicenter than the official narrative.
Nigeria Gunmen Release Bishop But Violence Continues
A prominent Catholic bishop in Nigeria, kidnapped on December 27, has been released unharmed in an “answer to prayers,” his church said Saturday.
Uganda: Female pastor raped by Islamic extremists for preaching the Gospel
Islamic extremists in Uganda raped a female church pastor last month, claiming they were “teaching her a lesson” for converting Muslims to Christianity, Morning Star News reports. The Pastor, who was not named for her protection, was attacked in Kapyani in the Kibuku District of eastern Uganda on December 21. Although Ugandan law allows freedom of religion, and Muslims are a small minority in the country, radical Islamic persecution of Christians is ongoing.
Around the World
Iran Says Trump Threatening War
Iran has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking a “pretext for war” amid mounting tensions between the two nations.
USS Nimitz heading home
The USS Nimitz is finally heading home after almost 10 months on deployment, with the aircraft carrier spending its final 10 days supporting military operations in the Horn of Africa.
US votes against UN budget over ‘anti-Israel’ measure, lack of Iran action
The Trump administration on Thursday voted against the United Nations' 2021 program budget, citing its continued support of an "anti-Israel" event and the failure to implement a mechanism to monitor Iran’s weapon use.
Majority of users not concerned about smart devices listening to them
A new survey has found that nearly 66.7% of users are not concerned whether their smart devices are always listening to them, collecting data about their lives, and targeting them with accurate advertising, Safety.com reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Saudi Arabia reportedly pressuring Trump to strike Iran in final days
Israel and Saudi Arabia are pressuring the Trump administration to carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, the Arabic-language newspaper Dar Al-Hayat reported on Thursday.
Israel says it has vaccinated 7 percent of its population
Israeli officials announced the country has immunized 7 percent of its population against COVID-19 — nearly 647,000 people, more than any other country — according to the nation's health ministry.
Inside the United States
PA lawmakers appeal to McConnell, Georgia court sets hearing in latest election challenges
President Trump's supporters across the country are escalating efforts to contest the Nov. 3 election results ahead of Wednesday's official certification by Congress, with some Pennsylvania lawmakers making a special appeal to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Georgia Republicans scoring an 11th-hour court hearing.
Massachusetts expands late-term abortion rights, gives doctors discretion on saving babies born alive during abortion
Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers approved a highly controversial bill Tuesday, substantially expanding access to late-term abortions and removing a law mandating doctors to try and save babies born alive during abortions. The H.B. 5179 bill also lowers the age at which young women can have an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 16.
Christian News
Polish Church Gets Back Bell Stolen By Nazis
A 16th-century church bell will be returned to a Catholic church in southern Poland some 77 years after the German Nazis plundered it in World War Two.
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria: “Please continue to pray for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters”
Muslim Fulani militants are continuing to murder Christians in Nigeria, and at least 18 people from Christian communities in Kaduna state were slaughtered in the week leading up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Iran Says Trump Threatening War
Iran has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking a “pretext for war” amid mounting tensions between the two nations.
USS Nimitz heading home
The USS Nimitz is finally heading home after almost 10 months on deployment, with the aircraft carrier spending its final 10 days supporting military operations in the Horn of Africa.
US votes against UN budget over ‘anti-Israel’ measure, lack of Iran action
The Trump administration on Thursday voted against the United Nations' 2021 program budget, citing its continued support of an "anti-Israel" event and the failure to implement a mechanism to monitor Iran’s weapon use.
Majority of users not concerned about smart devices listening to them
A new survey has found that nearly 66.7% of users are not concerned whether their smart devices are always listening to them, collecting data about their lives, and targeting them with accurate advertising, Safety.com reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel, Saudi Arabia reportedly pressuring Trump to strike Iran in final days
Israel and Saudi Arabia are pressuring the Trump administration to carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, the Arabic-language newspaper Dar Al-Hayat reported on Thursday.
Israel says it has vaccinated 7 percent of its population
Israeli officials announced the country has immunized 7 percent of its population against COVID-19 — nearly 647,000 people, more than any other country — according to the nation's health ministry.
Inside the United States
PA lawmakers appeal to McConnell, Georgia court sets hearing in latest election challenges
President Trump's supporters across the country are escalating efforts to contest the Nov. 3 election results ahead of Wednesday's official certification by Congress, with some Pennsylvania lawmakers making a special appeal to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Georgia Republicans scoring an 11th-hour court hearing.
Massachusetts expands late-term abortion rights, gives doctors discretion on saving babies born alive during abortion
Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers approved a highly controversial bill Tuesday, substantially expanding access to late-term abortions and removing a law mandating doctors to try and save babies born alive during abortions. The H.B. 5179 bill also lowers the age at which young women can have an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 16.
Christian News
Polish Church Gets Back Bell Stolen By Nazis
A 16th-century church bell will be returned to a Catholic church in southern Poland some 77 years after the German Nazis plundered it in World War Two.
Slaughter of Christians in Nigeria: “Please continue to pray for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters”
Muslim Fulani militants are continuing to murder Christians in Nigeria, and at least 18 people from Christian communities in Kaduna state were slaughtered in the week leading up to Christmas, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.