A statement to be announced by the Middle East Quartet regarding the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has been delayed due to a disagreement on the issue between the United States of America and the European Union. President Mahmoud Abbas of the PA has previously remarked that he has been under intense pressure to recommence direct negotiations with Israel, which were suspended last year following the end of the Hamas cease fire. Both the US and the EU have threatened to pull the plug on aid to the Palestinian Authority unless movement in the peace process is forthcoming. Over the past number of months, Abbas has been using the settlement issue as an excuse to circumvent direct negotiations, with the goal of prompting the international community to impose a 'just solution' on the Middle East. The PA has been pressing the international community to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, regardless of what Israel may say, and without having to make peace with the Jews. The EU has up until now been making favourable statements to this end, calling for the peace process to last no more than two years at the most, and the solution to be based on the territories captured during the Six Day War. Thus Abbas has been pressuring Israel and the Quartet into accepting this statement as a precondition to the direct talks, thereby ensuring the Palestinian Authority will get a state within two years whether they negotiate in good faith or not. Just a few days ago the Israeli government rightly rejected these demands, and so far the US is in agreement. But it seems that the EU is yet to be persuaded...

Quote: ""The EU has agreed to the Palestinian stipulations of the talks leading to the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre- 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital within one year, but the Americans have not accepted these preconditions. Since they couldn't come to terms. It will probably take a few more days," the official said.

The Scriptures indicate that this peace process will continue up until the Second Coming of Christ. The prophecy of Zechariah predicted that during the time of the end, the status of Jerusalem would become such a flashpoint of contention, that one day the whole world would be gathered together in battle against it (Zechariah 12:2-3). The Middle East conflict truly has become a "burdensome stone" and a "cup of trembling" to all the nations that are round about. To the Western nations, a burdensome stone that cuts them in pieces when they try to grapple with it. And to the Islamic nations that surround Israel, a cup of drunkenness, which they have become intoxicated with in trying to destroy it. Psalm 2 asks the question, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" You may be wondering, why is there such a conflict over a tiny piece of land, not more than a few hundred miles long? Is it really just a conflict over land? Or is it all about religion? The answer to both these questions is no. Yes, it is partly about land, but what are the real motives behind the desire for a Palestinian state? Is it purely territorial? Then why didn't Jordan offer to create a Palestinian state when they controlled the territory? Yes, it is partly about which religion controls the Temple Mount, but again, what are the motives? After all, there are many Arab Muslims who are more than willing to live in peace with the Jews. The real reason behind the conflict is given for us in verses 2-3. "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us". The word 'anointed' in the Hebrew literally says 'Meshiach' or Christ. The conflict over the Temple Mount is less about land and religion, and more about preventing the return of Christ to set up His Kingdom upon earth. Even as Christ is returning out of heaven at the Second Coming, Satan will direct the armies of earth to make war against Him who sits upon the white horse (Revelation 19:19). But again, Psalm 2:6 assures us that God is in complete control of the situation. "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion".

As you can see, the events we are witnessing in the world today are indeed leading up to those described in the book of Revelation. Christ is coming back, for His church, and again to set up His Millennial Kingdom. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, there can be no doubt about that. But is He your King? When Pilate presented Jesus Christ to the people of Jerusalem on that day, he said, "Behold your King!" And they beheld one who was to suffer and die for their sins. Many of the Jews said, "We have no king but Caesar", John 19:15. But in just a short while, their 'king' to whom they pledged allegiance so bravely, would be responsible for the complete destruction of the city Jerusalem as prophesied by the Lord (Luke 21:20). But some of them did own the Lord Jesus as their King. One of the thieves who was crucified with Jesus would later say to Him, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom", Luke 23:42. His prayer was answered immediately. Yours can be too. You can be with the Lord when He comes in His Kingdom. In humility and sincerity, acknowledge to God that you are a sinner, and thank Jesus Christ for giving His life for you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Source Jerusalem Post

While direct negotiations have yet to recommence following the breakdown of talks in the wake of Operation Cast Lead last December, indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority began in May of this year, with a hope to reviving the Annapolis peace process. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and US President George W. Bush both became the first leaders of their respective countries to publicly call for the establishment of a Palestinian state. And originally it was hoped that this plan could be realized by the end of Bush's term in office. But since then the process has been fraught with difficulties. The corruption scandal that engulfed Ehud Olmert left him a politic incumbent and unable to broker a deal with the Palestinians. And the ongoing conflict between Hamas and the ruling Fatah party also left President Abbas powerless to deliver the Palestinian people. Then the Hamas 'temporary calm' expired at the end of 2008, which culminated with the launch of Operation Cast Lead. Israel had hoped to neutralize Hamas before a more pro-Arab government took control of the White House. And although the conflict did eventually bring a measure of peace to Israel's southern border, it dashed hopes of any peace deal being secured. Then came the change of administrations in the United States and Israel. There was the promise of a tougher US line on Israel, with the aim of improving America's image in the Arab world. But Secretary of State Hilary Clinton's unjust criticism of the settlements and her call for the cessation of all natural growth, including in east Jerusalem, proved to be the death knell of the peace process. Her comments gave the Palestinians sufficient reason to believe that if they just sit tight and keep quiet, Palestine will be handed to them on a silver platter, without them ever having to make peace with the Jews. And today the Palestinian leadership is still making settlement cessation a precondition to direct talks, while aiming to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state by the end of next year.

Meanwhile, US Senator George Mitchell is left to ferry between the two leaders in the hope of reaching some common ground. The Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is calling for the resumption of direct talks. But Abbas seems either unwilling or unable to agree to that, knowing that any deal that could be agreed would not be acceptable to Hamas, who's charter still calls for the complete annihilation of Israel. It seems that the 'obstacle to peace', as the Israeli construction work has recently been described by the EU and other nations, is actually working in Abbas' favour. So long as Abbas has an 'excuse' not to renew negotiations with the Israelis, he can mollify the Hamas opposition to his leadership through sharing a common bond in their hatred of Israel. And as long as he is seen by the international community to be making some sort of effort to make peace, even if he knows they will be rejected by Israel, he can keep the pressure off himself while maintaining control over the Palestinian Authority.

That is the background to yesterday's announcement that President Abbas made concerning the plan to divide Jerusalem.

Quote: "According to the report, Abbas proposes that a Palestinian state be established on the entire territory of the West Bank, but with a 2.3% land swap. This territory would include Gush Etzion, Givat Ze'ev and Modi'in Illit, as well as a strip of land near Ben Gurion International Airport. In exchange, the Palestinians demand a similar area of land south of Hebron. The report made no mention of the Palestinian stance on Maale Adumim and Ariel. As for security issues, Abbas reportedly proposed that the two parties commit to refraining from all acts of violence and establish a three-way committee, under American supervision, to serve as a guarantee. In addition, Abbas proposed that NATO troops be stationed along the borders and at crossings in order to ensure that the security agreements are being upheld.

The Palestinian Authority has previously rejected deal after deal offered by Israel to establish a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria. Ehud Olmert once offered Abbas 98.1% of the territory in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria for the creation of a Palestinian state, with a land swap that would allow Israel to keep Jewish sections of east Jerusalem while linking Gaza with the 'West Bank' through a land corridor. The deal was rejected over the 'right of return' for Palestinian 'refugees' to Israel-proper and the issue of the division of Jerusalem. And I see there is no mention of the Palestinian 'right of return' in this news article. So I find it very unlikely that Abbas would suddenly be interested in making peace with Israel now, and think rather that he is pandering to his international audience.

Of course the Bible predicted all this would happen. The prophet Zechariah foretold a day in which Israel's enemies would be in siege against Judah and Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2-3). And as you can see in this map, the territory that is now being contested by the Palestinians and indeed the international community, closely matches these areas mentioned in Biblical prophecy. The Bible also mentions that during the time of the end, all nations will be gathered together to do battle against the city of Jerusalem. The international community has never recognized Jewish control over east Jerusalem, and the Bible predicts that shortly before the return of Christ, the city will again be divided (Zechariah 14:2).

If this is the case, then we can expect the situation in the Middle East to grow worse rather than better. It is true that a measure of peace will come. But it will be short-lived (1st Thessalonians 5:3). The Bible seems to indicate that it will be halfway through Daniel's 70th week, the time known as Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), when the land will be forcibly divided (Revelation 11:2) and the nation of Israel will experience a time of great trouble the likes of which has never been known before (Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21). The tiny nation of Israel is presently surrounded by enemies, and one can only guess at what might be in store for the future, if a regional war were to break out. The question you may be asking is, why would God allow all of this to happen? The answer is, to bring men back to Himself.

The leaders of the nation of Israel had rejected the Lord at His first coming (Isaiah 53:3). They did not want this Man to rule over them (Luke 19:14). But He is the only one whose right it is to rule (Ezekiel 21:27). He has the right as the Creator of the world and of Israel (Isaiah 43:15, John 1:10). He is the King that God has set upon His holy hill (Psalm 2:6), and so has the right as promised Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2). He is of the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14), and so has the right as Son of Man and descendant of Adam (Daniel 7:13-14). He is of the royal line, and so has the right as Son of David (Luke 1:32). But not only is the Lord legally entitled to reign over the earth, but He is the only one who has the moral qualifications to do so. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7), and in righteousness does He judge and make war (Revelation 19:11). "In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth", Psalm 72:2. Not only is He legally entitled, not only is He morally qualified, but He is also worthy of bearing rule. Some men, like Prince Charles, may have a legal right to the throne. Others, like Sir Winston Churchill, may have shown great ability in bearing office. But few if any are worthy of it. Christ is the only one of whom it is said, He is worthy to reign. And that, because of what He has done for us, in redeeming us to God by His own blood (Revelation 5:9, 12). He paid the ultimate sacrifice, in the giving of His own life for His people (Hebrews 13:12). No other world leader has or would even dare to pay such a price.

Only when the nations of the world finally come to an end of themselves, when they have literally nowhere else and no-one else to turn to, will men call upon the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (Luke 13:35, Zechariah 12:10). And only then will Christ will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and save them from their enemies (Revelation 19:16). But Jesus Christ can be your Saviour today. He gave His life upon the cross for you. He died for you so that your sins might be forgiven (Isaiah 53:11), and that you may have everlasting life in heaven (John 10:28). Why don't you receive Him as your Lord and Saviour today.

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:
 John 1:12

Source YNet News

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