Apologies for few news updates this past month or so. I haven't felt inspired to write about anything that's happening in the world, and I can't write unless I am inspired.

The EuroMed Parliamentary Assembly has called for the immediate resumption of the peace process, and the realisation of a 'two-state solution' in the Middle East within a two year timeframe, as the body concluded its sixth plenary session on Sunday. The negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority ceased after the Hamas truce expired in December 2008. US politicking has largely hindered the resumption of those talks, with the new American administration seeking to curry favour with the Arab world by taking a tougher stance on Israel. The decision to call on Israel to halt all settlement activity, even in Jerusalem, in turn encouraged the Palestinian Authority to harden their position. The US and the EU have all demanded the Israel halt construction in the territories, and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state within two years time, whether an agreement can be reached or not. The Palestinian Authority have effectively been offered Jerusalem on a silver platter, and all they need to do is sit tight for two years. Israel will then get the blame for the failure in the peace process, Jerusalem will be divided by the international community, and the Palestinian terrorist organizations will have succeeded in establishing a state from which to destroy Israel. And now the EuroMed parliament, which passes legislation for the new Union for the Mediterranean, is demanding that Israel and the Palestinians return to the negotiating table, and that a Palestinian state be created within a two year timeframe.

Quote: "It noted that this should lead, "within an agreed time frame possibly of two years, to the implementation of the two-state solution consisting of an independent, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestine state, compromising Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security within the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of the two states". Euro-Med MPs also called on Israel to freeze all settlement activities, lift the blockade of Gaza in accordance with international law and implement all suggestions in the Goldstone report.

As you can see, the political situation that the Bible predicted would exist in the Middle East during the last days is now unfolding before our eyes. The European Union, and the Union for the Mediterranean - a political organization that spans the geographical area once occupied by the old Roman Empire, is becoming more deeply involved in the region. And the city of Jerusalem, which the prophet Zechariah predicted would become a burdensome stone for all peoples (Zechariah 12:2-3), is fast becoming the focal point for all Middle East problems. It's all happening just like the Bible said it would. Because it is all happening according to the will of God (Revelation 17:17). The Lord is bringing all of this to pass for purpose, so that He can bring man to the end of himself, and make mankind realize that its only hope is found in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lord said of Himself in Luke 20:17, "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner". The Stone of Israel (Genesis 49:24) was rejected by the religious and political leaders of the nation in His day. They put Him on a cross. But God raised Him from the dead, a Prince and a Saviour (Acts 5:31). And by His sacrifice, He has provided a way whereby we can know our sins forgiven, and have peace with God. Do you know your sins forgiven? Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? If not, do it right now. Your soul's salvation is too important a matter to put off for another day. Tell God that you are a sinner, and that you are sorry for your sins. Thank Him for sending His Son Jesus Christ to bear the punishment for your sins when He died upon the cross. As the Scripture says, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life", John 5:24. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source MENAFN

The Spanish government, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, announced at the beginning of the year that they would make the establishment of a Palestinian state their number one priority. Javier Solana, the former High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, was one of the first to suggest a unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state if a negotiated settlement was not forthcoming. That proposal was later echoed by President Obama, and has now been officially adopted by the Palestinian Authority. Last year, during the Swedish presidency of the European Union, we had the proposal to legally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. And although that proposal was watered down, it reflects a growing impatience in the EU with the Middle East peace process, and brings us ever closer to the fulfilment of Zechariah 12:2-3.

Quote: ""The issue before us at the moment is the building of a reality," Kouchner told the Journal du Dimanche in an interview published yesterday. "France is training Palestinian police, businesses are being created in the West Bank... It follows that one can envision the proclamation soon of a Palestinian state, and its immediate recognition by the international community, even before negotiating its borders." "If by mid-2011, the political process has not ended the [Israeli] occupation, I would bet that the developed state of Palestinian infrastructure and institutions will be such that the pressure will force Israel to give up its occupation," he added.

What the world does not understand is that the goal of establishing a Palestinian state is not the creation of a homeland for the Palestinian people. There is no Palestinian national identity. At no time in history has Jerusalem been the capital of an Arab state. And while the Palestinian Authority recognizes Israel because it is required to do so by the Oslo Accords, Fatah and Hamas do not and never will recognize Israel's right to exist. It is foolish to think that those who have been at war with the Jews for the 60 years of  Israel's history will suddenly lay down their arms once a Palestinian state is declared. Peace will not be forthcoming when the EU recognizes 'Palestine'. In reality the purpose of establishing a Palestinian state is to undermine Israel's sovereignty in the land and hasten the demise of the Jewish state. The Bible seems to indicate that this peace process is set to continue well into Daniel's seventieth week, the final seven years of man's rule on this earth. During this time, a world leader will arise out of the revived Roman Empire, who will attempt to force an agreement on Israel and its neighbours by dividing God's land for gain (Daniel 9:27, 11:39). Israel's enemies shall be in siege against Judah and Jerusalem (also known as the West Bank), and the eastern half of the city will fall to the Gentiles for a three and a half year period (Zechariah 12:2, 14:2, Revelation 11:2). Thus will commence the time known as Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). And Israel as a nation will suffer for their rejection of the Messiah at His first advent. Only when they turn to Him in their distress, will He deliver them out of all their troubles (Zechariah 12:10). As you can see, that is day is fast approaching. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. He promised in John 14:3, "if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". Have you had your sins forgiven through trusting in Him for salvation:? Is He coming again to receive you unto Himself? He bore the punishment for your sins when He died upon the cross. Why not trust in Him for salvation today.

Luke 19:9-10
And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Source Haaretz

President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has signalled that he may be willing to recommence indirect talks with Israel. The announcement comes over one year following the breakdown of the Annapolis negotiations, which were suspended due to political tensions in the region. The talks ceased following the expiration of the Hamas 'temporary calm' in December 2008, which in turn triggered a massive Israeli response to try and end more than 8 years of incessant Palestinian rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. Israeli and American elections also hindered the recommencement of the talks, due to a hardening of US foreign policy against Israel. The US demand that Israel halt all construction work, even in their own capital city, was echoed by the EU and the international community, and Abbas turned it into a precondition for the recommencement of the talks. As I commented not so long ago, efforts by the EU to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, along with announcements by the EU, US and Palestinian Authority to work towards the establishment of a state within a two year timeframe, served to strengthen the hand of the PA and undermine the case for a negotiated settlement. But now it seems the international community has recognized its error in unduly criticizing Israel as the 'obstacle to peace' in the region, and is now pressing the Palestinian Authority to return to the negotiating table.

Quote: "The talks are expected to begin on February 20, a senior Palestinian official told AFP on Monday. "These contacts will be aimed at creating a better climate and reaching an understanding on the borders of the Palestinian state, and they will begin on February 20," the official said on condition of anonymity. "They will last three months, with the Americans negotiating directly with the two sides after determining a timetable and agreed-upon mechanisms for implementation."

And it seems the timetable for establishing a Palestinian state is fast becoming the priority for this process. As I said before, Obama and Abbas want a Palestinian state established within two years. And EU leaders believe the negotiations should not go on for longer than one year.

Quote: ""Europe must push for a peaceful solution of two states for two people as soon as possible. A year is the maximum timeframe," he said in an interview to a German newspaper. Moratinos met Saturday with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and said that his country would work to resume the talks between Israel and the Palestinians "as soon as possible." The Spanish minister said that "it's important that both sides meet," but noted that "they will decide when and how."

The EU is by far the largest contributor to the Palestinian economy, donating in total over 1 billion euros per annum to the Palestinian Authority. Despite the Arab world being fixated with the Middle East conflict and heaping scorn on Israel at every opportunity, ironically it was European states that had to call on the Arab world to fulfill the pledges they made for the creation of a Palestinian state at the Palestinian Donors Conference in France two years ago. In this current climate of recession, EU states are desirous to see their money isn't being squandered, and are now calling for a deadline for a peace agreement.  

Quote: ""As long as there is hope that [a Palestinian] state will be formed, we are happy to do so [contribute], and we know that once it is established we will give more for security and to develop the economy. But now in Europe – in parliament and among taxpayers – people are asking how long we will do this," he said. The official said that for this reason once negotiations begin, there must be a "time horizon." "We can't continue to pay for the creation of a state, when the state is not coming," he said.

The prophecy of Zechariah speaks of a time when the issue of Jerusalem would become a burdensome stone and a cup of trembling for the entire world (Zechariah 12:2, 3). It predicts that the nations would be literally cutting themselves in pieces in trying to resolve it. We are now witnessing this ancient prophecy coming to pass before our eyes. This did not happen in any other generation. The prophecy of Zechariah also foretells the division of Jerusalem during the time of the end (Zechariah 14:2). The fact that the nations are now calling for a 'time horizon', a deadline by which the status of Jerusalem should be resolved, shows us just how close we must be to the return of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets proclaimed that, "when the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory", Psalm 102:16. Notice the verse says that it is the Lord who will build up Zion. Not man. He was the one who brought His people back to their land (Zephaniah 3:19-20). The regathering of the Jewish people to their original homeland from over 100 countries of the world after nearly 20 centuries of exile? The revival of Hebrew as a first language? Man could not have achieved this. Today the nation of Israel is being rebuilt, and the appearance of the Lord in His glory is therefore at hand. But do you know the one of whom the prophets foretold would do all this?

Isaiah 45:13
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

His name is Jesus Christ. He is the one that was raised up in righteousness. He is the one of whom Pilate could say, "I find no fault in Him at all", John 18:38. He was the one who could claim, "the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him", John 8:29. He is the one who was able to proclaim liberty to those that are held captive by sin (Isaiah 61:1), not for price nor reward, but through the sacrifice of Himself (1st Peter 2:24). He died for you, so that your sins might be forgiven. Trust in Him for salvation today.

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Source Haaretz, YNet News, Jerusalem Post

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Senator George Mitchell is to present a package of economic incentives to the President Abbas this week in an effort to kick-start the stalled peace process. Negotiations broke down last year after Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in response to an escalation of rocket fire from Hamas following the end of their truce. After his election to office, US President Barack Obama had insisted that Israel halt all settlement activity in Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem in accordance with the 'Roadmap to Peace' document. This call was repeated by leaders from around the world, including the European Union, France and Britain. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu eventually agreed to a temporary freeze. Javier Solana, then High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, had also insisted that a Palestinian state should be established within a set time period should the parties involved be unwilling to reach an agreement. Two years was given as the timeframe by which this was to be achieved, and once again, this objective was adopted by both President Obama and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salem Fayyad. The idea of unilaterally declaring a Palestinian state was given a boost late last year when the government of Sweden, holding the presidency of the European Union, put forward a motion that would have recognized Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. And now the Spanish government, the current holder of the EU presidency, is seeking to bring about the establishment of a Palestinian state before the end of this year. So it seems that the Palestinian Authority now feels it has little or no reason to negotiate with Israel, and some political analysts believe that President Abbas has deliberately hardened his stance in order to undermine the talks and force the international community to recognize a Palestinian declaration of independence. His demand that Israel permanently halt all settlement activity in Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem, even before the talks recommence, is purposely designed to scupper the chances of a negotiated agreement and force the international community to act against Israel. If that happened, the Palestinians could take east Jerusalem and the Temple Mount without having to negotiate with Israel, and Israel would get the blame for refusing to accede to the initial Palestinian demands.

Quote: "Politically, many in the Palestinian leadership assess that adopting a unilateral "Kosovo strategy" and seeking international legitimacy to impose the 1967 borders on Israel is their best option, which, in their view, would automatically solve the issues of Jewish settlements and the status of Jerusalem without having to negotiate with Israel, while leaving the refugee issue to be decided according to the "agreed-upon solution" specified in the Arab peace initiative.

And now Senator Mitchell is on his way to Israel and the Palestinian territories, to offer an economic incentive package to President Abbas, with the hope of restarting the negotiations. His package may also include certain 'guarantees' concerning the establishment of a Palestinian state, which have not been spelled out but are likely to include a deadline for the establishment of a state and assurances on east Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

Quote: "Palestinian sources added, "The Americans are looking to provide our leaders with a ladder to get down from the tree they are in, and want us to return to talks, especially in light of the fact that Israel has declared a settlement freeze, and especially in light of the fact that negotiations over the basic principles of the peace process are already being held between us and the Americans and between the Americans and the Israelis." The sources estimated that if an economic conference for the Palestinians is announced, and if the Palestinians receive a guarantee from the Americans as to the details of a permanent settlement, they may bend on their stance and return to the negotiations table.

So it seems that despite there being little movement on a peace agreement between Israel and the Arabs this year, we could still be much further on prophetically than we imagine. For the Bible indicates that it will be a leader of the revived Roman Empire - the European Union, who will strengthen an agreement between Israel and its enemies (Daniel 9:27) and who will eventually divide the Holy Land for his own benefit (Daniel 11:39). The prophecies of Zechariah 11:2, 14:2 and Revelation 11:2 seem to indicate that the area of  Judea (present day southern West Bank and Jerusalem) will come under siege during the tribulation period, and that east Jerusalem will fall to the Gentiles for the final three and a half years of world history. The very fact that there has been no solution found to the Middle East conflict for the duration of Israel's existence proves to us that what the Bible says is true. For the Bible says it is the Antichrist who will bring 'peace' and divide the land of Israel between Jew and Gentile. And as he has not yet been revealed, so peace has not been found, and the events spoken of in the book of Revelation are yet to be fulfilled. But they will come to pass. The question is, are you ready? What if a Palestinian state was unilaterally declared in two years time? Or what if the Lord came before that? Would you be safe in the Ark of God's salvation? The day of salvation is drawing to a close. Just as God closed the door of the ark before the flood came, so the Bible says a day is coming when the Master of the house will shut the door of salvation for you.

Luke 13:24-25
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Don't put the matter of salvation off for another day. It may never come. The only thing we can ever be sure of is today. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today. He will not turn you away.

Source YNet News, Jerusalem Centre for Public Affairs

Despite assurances that the Obama administration is committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, it seems that US interest in the region is beginning to wane as efforts to restart the stalled negotiations flounder. One of the first acts Obama executed following his election to the White House was to appoint Senator George Mitchell to be his Special Envoy to the Middle East, in the vain hope that what was achieved in Northern Ireland could be somehow be repeated in Israel. But it seems that US foreign policy may be as much to blame for the current impasse, as America seeks to distance itself from Israel in order to woo its Arab antagonists in Afghanistan and Iraq. President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton had hoped to redress a perceived imbalance of US favouritism towards Israel by labelling the settlement construction, as opposed to terrorism, as an obstacle to peace. And President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has naturally latched on to those words, and half the world with him, and has made an issue that was never an obstacle to past negotiations the sticking point of the whole process. Yes, it seems that the president, who received a Nobel peace prize for his efforts in working towards peace in the Middle East, may now be about to wash his hands of the whole thing.

Quote: "White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel recently told the Israeli consul in Los Angeles that the Obama administration is fed up with both Israel and the Palestinians, Army Radio reported on Wednesday. Emanuel met with Jacob Dayan, consul general of Israel in Los Angeles, about two weeks ago, after which Dayan briefed the Foreign Ministry. Emanuel told Dayan the U.S. is sick of the Israelis, who adopt suitable ideas months too late, when they are no longer effective, according to Army Radio. The U.S. is also sick of the Palestinians who never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity, Emanuel reportedly said. Emanuel added that if there is no progress in the peace process, the Obama administration will reduce its involvement in the conflict, because, as he reportedly said, the U.S. has other matters to deal with. Emanuel reportedly said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the two-state solution too late, and that the freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank came only after months of U.S. pressure. The report added that both sides reportedly rejected the peace plan proposed by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, but that if there is progress in peace talks, Obama might visit Israel and the region.

But even as US patience with the Middle East wears thin, efforts are still underway to reach an agreement in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu travelled to Cairo this week, as Egypt sought to achieve unity between Hamas and Fatah and kick-start the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. But it is extremely doubtful whether anything will come of it. According to an Egyptian newspaper, President Mubarak had proposed that even before the negotiations begin, Israel should recognize the 1948 armistice lines as the borders of a future Palestinian state. East Jerusalem would become the capital of 'Palestine', and the negotiations would then commence over other issues, such as prisoner release and right of return. That's something Abbas has once again latched on to, insisting that Israel cede Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem to the Gentiles. While it is doubtful that anything will come of the American or Egyptian efforts, European leaders are still interested in the Middle East, and remain the only ones who can be trusted by both the Israelis and the Palestinians. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, himself of Jewish descent, has once again offered to host a summit in France in an effort to restart the peace process. Regarding the announcement of the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean, Sarkozy had claimed that this event was the best news for peace in the Middle East, and that the union would act as a catalyst to resolving the conflict. And although the Union for the Mediterranean may have got off to a shakey start, the Bible seems to indicate that this last great empire will be instrumental in achieving an agreement in the coming years.

It's all coming to pass just the way the Bible said it would. Global contention over the status of east Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2-3), Judea and Samaria being ceded to the Gentiles (Zechariah 14:2, Revelation 11:2), the European Union rising to prominence in the world (Daniel 7:7-8) and the never-ending Middle East conflict (Daniel 9:27). These are all signs of Christ's Second Coming. For these events are to unfold during the period of time we call Daniel's 70th week. And following the 70th week, Christ will return to set up His Millennial Kingdom. I am looking forward to that day. Are you? In light of these things, Peter asks, what manner of people ought we to be (2nd Peter 3:11)? If only we could live each day in the light of the coming of Christ. It would make such a change in our lives. It would cause me to stop worrying about things which are fleeting and temporal. "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier", 2nd Timothy 2:3. Are you a Christian? Then God has chosen you to be a soldier. You are to fight the good fight (2nd Timothy 4:7). Do what  He has commanded you to do, and serve Him faithfully while you are here on this Earth. Great will be your reward. Are you not yet a Christian? Look at what is happening in the world today. How many more years do we have left? Are you prepared for what the Bible says must take place hereafter (Hebrews 9:27)? God loves you. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to give His life for you upon the cross, so that your sins could be forgiven and that you could have eternal life in heaven (John 3:16). Don't neglect God's salvation. It's too serious a matter to put off. The Bible says, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation (2nd Corinthians 6:2). Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today. "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace", Job 22:21.   

Source Haaretz, YNet News, Jerusalem Post, China View