The international peace conference in Annapolis ended today, as both the Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams pledged to begin formal negotiations on final status issues over the next few months. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to continue their fortnightly meetings to discuss issues which will include the right of return for Palestinian refugees and further disengagements from Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem. A joint declaration was read out by the leaders last night, committing all parties to finalize a peace agreement before the end of 2008. But it nearly didn't happen. According to Israeli sources, a draft statement had been agreed as early as Monday, but the Palestinian negotiating team changed their minds repeatedly. 

Quote: "They said the Monday night talks with Erekat produced several agreements, but the next morning, the Palestinians changed their mind. That, said the Israelis, already had happened several times during talks on the declaration, but they were shocked that the Palestinians were doing it again at this late date and on such fundamental issues as a timetable for negotiations and reference to the road map peace plan. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who headed the Israeli team, lost her temper and told Qureia to "take it or get lost," the sources said.

Other Islamic extremists have criticized the peace conference. The Annapolis summit was blasted by former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh, who claimed that Palestinians would not be bound by any agreement that President Abbas makes with the "Zionist regime". Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also slammed the conference, stating it was doomed to failure and predicted Israel's downfall in his latest anti-Semitic tirade...

Quote: ""Very soon even the most stupid people will realise that the Annapolis conference was right from the beginning doomed to fail," he added, without clarifying to whom he was referring. Once again predicting the imminent collapse of Israel, the president said the Annapolis initiative would like previous peace plans and conferences bring no results for the Middle East crisis.

Quote: ""It is impossible that the Zionist regime can last," the government mouthpiece website of state broadcasting quoted Ahmadinejad as saying in a cabinet meeting. "Deterioration is in the nature of this regime as it has been built on aggression, lying, crime and wrongdoing," he added.

Of course the Iranian President has already proposed his own solution to the Middle East conflict, the complete destruction of the state of Israel. Abbas wasn't the only one calling for Israel's disengagement from all territories captured during the Six Day War. The Syrian delegation, which attended the conference on the basis that Golan Heights would be addressed at the gathering, stated that there would be no Arab recognition of Israel's right to exist until Israel withdrew to the 1948 armistice lines, and even then the Arab nations would only "consider" making peace with Israel.

Quote: "Syria told the Annapolis peace conference on Tuesday that Israel should pull out of land captured in 1967 before Arab countries would normalize ties with it. "The establishment of normal ties with Israel ... must be the fruit of comprehensive peace and not precede it," Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Mekdad told a closed session of the U.S.-sponsored Middle East summit, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "To phrase it clearly and decisively that this [normalization] comes after the total Israeli withdrawal from the 1967 Arab land," he said in a speech obtained by Reuters.

So what has the Annapolis conference actually achieved? For Israel it seems, very little indeed. The Bible states that a peace agreement will come, but it will not last. Under this false peace, the land of Israel will be re-divided (Daniel 11:39) and the eastern half of Jerusalem will fall into Muslim hands (Zechariah 14:2). This commences the Great Tribulation period, as prophesied by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:21. A remnant of the Jewish people will be miraculously delivered from this onslaught, being airlifted into the wilderness for the last three and a half year period (Revelation 12:14). At the end of Daniel's 70th week, the armies of the world will gather in the valley of Megiddo to solve this problem once and for all (Revelation 16:16). Then Jesus Christ will return with the armies of heaven to destroy the armies of the Antichrist and set up His everlasting kingdom. As we can see from today's news, there may be little hope of compromise, but this is only to be expected in light of prophecy. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source Haaretz, YNet News, Earth Times, Haaretz

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas have addressed the Annapolis conference, on the first night of the international gathering. As predicted by WorldNetDaily, Olmert did indeed make reference to the Arab Peace Initiative, a symbolic gesture to Saudi Arabia which was in attendance at the conference. Both Abbas and Olmert expressed hope that negotiations could be completed by the end of 2008. Both leaders stated that it was in their common interest that peace should be made between Israel and the Palestinians. They also mentioned the need to combat religious extremism and fundamentalism, and the necessity of further disengagements from territories captured by Israel during the Six Day War. But both leaders seemed to disagree on what exactly would be discussed at the Annapolis peace conference...

Olmert: "The negotiations between us will not take place here in Annapolis but rather in our home and in your home. These negotiations will be bilateral, direct, ongoing, and continuous, in an effort to complete the process in the course of 2008. The negotiations will address all of the issues which we have thus far avoided dealing with. We will do this directly, openly and courageously. We will not avoid any subject. We will deal with all the core issues

Abbas: "Tomorrow, we have to start comprehensive and deep negotiations on all issues of final status, including Jerusalem, refugees, borders, settlements, water and security and others. We have to support this negotiating process in concrete and direct steps on the ground that would prove that we are moving in an irreversible path toward negotiated, comprehensive and full peace, and to ensure ending all settlement activities, including natural growth, and reopening closed Jerusalem institutions, removal of settlement outposts, removal of road blocks, and freedom of prisoners, and to facilitate our mission in the authority to enforce law and the rule of law.

Olmert and Abbas also disagreed on how far they would have to go to in order to achieve peace. Olmert commented that the situation which emerged in 1967 would change dramatically. In other words, Israel would be prepared to disengage from most of the land it captured during the Six Day War in return for peace with the Arab nations. On the other hand, Abbas is still clinging to the idea that Israel must give up all the territories captured in 1967 in order for there to be peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Olmert: "I am convinced that the reality that emerged in our region in 1967 will change significantly. This will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, but it is nevertheless inevitable. I know this. Many of my people know this. We are prepared for it.

Abbas: "But to achieve that does not depend on the Arab and Islamic position by itself, but requires meeting this position by a reciprocal strategic willingness that would basically lead to ending the occupation of all Palestinian occupied territories in 1967, including East Jerusalem, as well as the Syrian Golan and what remains of occupied from Lebanese territories, and to resolve all other issues relating to the conflict, especially the Palestinian refugees question in all its political, humanitarian, individual and common aspects, consistent with Resolution 194, as emphasized by the Arab peace initiative and the participation of sister states that host refugees and carry huge burdens in this regard... It is my duty to say that, to have peace, we need the fate of the city of Jerusalem to be a critical component in any peace accord that we might reach. We need East Jerusalem to be our capital and to establish open relations with western Jerusalem, and to ensure for all the faithful from all religions their right to exercise their rituals and to access holy shrines without any discrimination and on the basis of international and humanitarian goals.

It seems Abbas has stuck to his guns (pun intended!). Abbas stated in his speech that the fate of the city of Jerusalem must be a critical component in any peace accord that will be reached. And at the centre of Jerusalem lies the Temple Mount. I don't think the Arabs will give that up without a fight. We know from Scripture that a deal will be made which will see Israel disengage from at least half the city of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2). For three and a half years, the Gentile nations will trample the Holy City underfoot (Revelation 11:2). Satan's goal is to hinder the Lord Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is seeking to set up his one world government, where he will be worshipped by all instead of God.

Revelation 12:12-13
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman (Israel) which brought forth the man child (Jesus Christ).

Jerusalem, and specifically the Temple Mount, will play a great part in end time events. Praise God that He has not left us in the dark, and has not hidden from us that thing which He will do (Genesis 18:17). The battle is the Lord's, and also the victory. The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). Are you a citizen of His Kingdom? Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source Washington Post, Washington Post

As around fifty international delegations gather in Annapolis today to discuss the situation in the Middle East, world leaders are expressing cautious optimism that the talks will pave the way for a lasting peace agreement in the region. The Annapolis conference formally began at the State Department on Monday, in which the US President made a speech outlining his "vision" of two states living side by side in peace and security. 

Quote: ""I call upon all those gathering in Annapolis this week to redouble their efforts to turn dreams of peace into reality," Bush said in a statement. "I remain personally committed to implementing my vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."

...whereas at present, the Palestinian Authority is in a state and Israel is in pieces. He met separately with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last night, and is expected to address the conference today. Olmert has also voiced optimism at the presence of the Arab League at the conference, and hopes that this may lead to the normalization of relations with Israel's enemies. Syria and Saudi Arabia are still officially at war with the Jewish state. According to Saudi sources, the US Administration has given the Saudi government assurances that it will press for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to be concluded within a year. Olmert has also expressed his wishes that a peace agreement could be established before President Bush's term comes to an end.

Quote: ""The important factor is the placement of a deadline for negotiations so they do not become endless and this is what the American government hosting the conference has promised, that the time period does not exceed one year," the newspaper quoted Prince Saud as saying. Advertisement "We felt from the United States and the international Quartet [of Mideast peace negotiators] some encouraging assurances on following up the negotiations through specific mechanisms and reciprocal commitments among all the active parties," he said.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has also expressed optimism that the Annapolis conference could lead to a peace agreement. Peres said that peace would not come in a day, but he also believes that the presence of the Arab League at the conference is a good sign. He also reaffirmed that Israel was conducting secret negotiations with the Syrians on the issue of the Golan Heights, and that the Israeli government was ready for peace with Syria.   

Quote: "Usually, Peres said out of personal experience, such conferences are met with high expectations. "A factory is not built in a day – and thus peace is also not achieved in one day. Of course there are serious birth pangs, of course there are difficulties, but today, the Middle East looks different than it did 30 years ago as far as opportunities and risks are concerned." The president also regarded Washington's participation in the peace process positively, saying, "I think that now all sides are interested in not wasting time or potential opportunities. Each one aspires to reach peace. I think this is common to all sides."

Shimon Peres' choice of words is extremely interesting. Last time we heard that phrase mentioned was during the Second Lebanese War. As the Western nations held off calling for a cease fire between Israel and Hizbullah, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that we were now witnessing the birth pangs of the new Middle East. It's interesting that the Scriptures use the exact same phrase when speaking of end time prophecy coming to pass. Paul states in 1st Thessalonians 5:3 that when the nations shall seek for peace and security, then sudden destruction shall come upon them as birth pangs upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. Whoever thought that world leaders would one day be using the same phraseology as written in the Scriptures nearly 2000 years ago? This is testament to the days we are now living in.

1st Thessalonians 5:1-6
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Praise God that those who have trusted in Jesus Christ are not of the night, that the Day of the Lord should overtake us as a thief. Jesus Christ is coming again. Trust in Him for salvation today.

Source Haaretz, Haaretz, YNet News

As the Israelis and Palestinians squabble over the details of a joint-statement that is hoped will pave the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state, it seems the international community is already dividing the city of Jerusalem in all but name. Jerusalem is the only city on earth which has no foreign embassies, despite having been the capital of Israel for nearly 60 years. On June 5th 1967, half a dozen Arab nations moved against Israel in an open act of war. Their goal was the complete destruction of the Jewish state. Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser had boldly proclaimed on May 30th, "The armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are poised on the borders of Israel...to face the challenge, while standing behind us are the armies of Iraq, Algeria, Kuwait, Sudan and the whole Arab nation. This act will astound the world. Today they will know that the Arabs are arranged for battle, the critical hour has arrived. We have reached the stage of serious action and not declarations". Within a few hours the entire Egyptian and Jordanian airforce was wiped out, and within days the Syrian army was defeated and Israel gained much territory as a result. For the first time in 1900 years, Israel had total control of its historic capital Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount. These events may have been the fulfilment of Joel 3:1, in which the Lord prophesied that He would bring again the captivity of Jerusalem and Judea (West Bank). 

Joel 3:1-2
For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

Since the liberation of East Jerusalem in 1967, the international community has tried in vain to re-divide the city where God has chosen to place His name. British diplomats sought to undermine Jewish sovereignty over the eastern half of the city. The European Union has supported Palestinian institutions operating in Jerusalem. Birth certificates issued by the American administration for individuals born in Jerusalem have no country of origin listed. And now according to this article from WorldNetDaily, the US government is listing Jerusalem as a completely separate entity from the state of Israel in the State Department telephone directory. All this despite no nation of Palestine ever having existed, and despite Jerusalem never having been the capital of any Arab state. The city of Jerusalem is mentioned by name over 700 times in the Scriptures, while not one mention of "Al-Quds" is made in the Qur'an. So why are the nations of the world demanding that Israel cede land for a people with no former national identity, a majority of whom have no historical claim to the land? 

The Bible states that the city will one day be re-divided. According to Zechariah 14:2 and Revelation 11:2, the eastern half of Jerusalem will once again go into captivity, during the last three and a half years of Daniel's 70th week. Although the nations of the world may disregard Jerusalem - the city of the Great King, the Lord Himself will return to defend His people and to judge the nations that have divided His land. The United States may not care for the inhabitants of Jerusalem nor regard them as belonging to any nationality, but it is not for man to decide the status of the city of God. 

Psalm 87:1-6
His foundation [is] in the holy mountains. The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

Praise God that the events we see happening around us today show that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is nigh at hand. As the Lord said, let us watch and be ready for His coming. Then shall every man have praise of God (1st Corinthians 4:5).

Matthew 24:44
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh 

Source Jewish Virtual Library, Radio Bergen, WorldNetDaily