Weekly News Brief: 10/18/23

Jordan, Egypt Don’t Accept Gaza Refugees; 1 Million Face Uncertainty

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians faced an uncertain future Wednesday in wartorn Gaza after Jordan’s king Jordan told them they weren’t welcome in Jordan or Egypt.

Biden admin set to allow Iran UN sanctions on ballistic missile program to expire: ‘Huge victory for Tehran’

The Hamas war against Israel is slated to be given a potent shot in the arm if the U.S. and its European allies allow U.N. sanctions to be lifted on Iran’s capability to purchase and supply missiles to enemies of the U.S. and Israel, according to experts on Tehran.

Protesters Storm Israeli Embassy In Jordan; Fires Seen

Protesters have stormed the Israeli Embassy in Jordan’s capital, Amman, as violence broke out throughout the Middle East, and witnesses said they attempted to torch the building.

Latest World News Headlines

Jordanian King says Mideast on brink of “abyss” but Gazan refugees cannot flee to Jordan – October 17, 2023

UNSC rejects Russian resolution on Israel-Hamas war which does not condemn Hamas  – October 17, 2023

Belgian Police Kill Suspected Islamist Gunman; ‘Attack Possible Linked To Gaza Conflict’ – October 17, 2023

Iran can’t access $6 billion from hostage deal, Biden official tells Dems – October 16, 2023

Man Shouting “Allahu Akbar” Kills Two In Brussels – October 16, 2023

Poland Opposition Claims Victory In Elections – October 16, 2023

Iran: US ‘can NOT renege’ on deal to transfer $6 billion through Qatar for hostages – October 15, 2023

Breaking Israel News

Lebanon Rockets Target Israel As Frontlines Spread

With sirens wailing in northern Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Wednesday that “nine rocket launches from Lebanon” were detected.

US, Israel Agree On Limited “Life-Saving” Aid To Gaza

U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israel had agreed to let “life-saving” humanitarian aid into Gaza, but the Jewish nation’s government made clear it was limited in scope and would be allowed only to enter from Egypt.

Latest Israel News Headlines

IDF says Hamas terrorists may be hiding in Israel’s Negev desert – October 18, 2023

PA to give families of Hamas terrorists nearly $3 million in “pay for slay” scheme – October 18, 2023

US President Joe Biden Praises Israel’s Bravery And Blames Militants For Hospital Massacre – October 18, 2023

Israel Prepares for Biden’s Arrival as the War with Hamas Continues – October 17, 2023

Breaking U.S. News

US Defense Department to pay $1.8 in settlement of vaccine mandate cases

A Florida District Court has ordered the US Defense Department to pay $1.8 million in legal fees as settlement for two lawsuits that challenged a former requirement that all American troops be vaccinated against COVID-19, Military.com reports.

Jordan fails to win House speakership in second round of voting

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, failed in the second round of voting in the House speaker election on the House floor Wednesday.

Latest U.S. News Headlines

Republicans Fail to Elect Jim Jordan as House Speaker on First Ballot – October 17, 2023

House drafts bill to strike Iran proxies amid Israel-Hamas war – October 17, 2023

Trump is appealing gag order in 2020 election interference case – October 17, 2023

Israel war: Sixty-three Democrats demand Biden take stronger stance against Iran – October 17, 2023

U.S. selects roughly 2,000 troops for potential deployment to support Israel – October 16, 2023

Prior to recent attack on Israel, antisemitic incidents in US at historic levels – October 16, 2023

Biden to Push Israel, Ukraine Aid Package Well Over $2 Billion This Week – October 16, 2023

Breaking Christian News

India: Christians face intensified persecution, imprisonment

The International Christian Concern (ICC) aid organization reports that Christians in India’s Uttar Pradesh state are on high alert; emboldened by upcoming state elections, radicalized Hindus have intensified their attacks on believers, imprisoning a greater number of them. 

Jordan, Egypt Don’t Accept Gaza Refugees; 1 Million Face Uncertainty

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians faced an uncertain future Wednesday in wartorn Gaza after Jordan’s king Jordan told them they weren’t welcome in Jordan or Egypt.

Indonesia: Permit for Christian school withdrawn following pressure from Islamic groups

A Christian in school in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, has been told its permit will be withdrawn following pressure applied on local officials by Muslims, including members of the banned Islamic Defenders Front (IDF), Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Latest Christian News Headlines

11 Church of England Bishops Reject Denominational Blessings for Same-Sex Couples – October 16, 2023

India: Radical Hindus attack, hospitalize Christians in Chhattisgarh state – October 16, 2023

Texas church reports “record-breaking” number of baptisms this year – October 12, 2023

Nigeria: Jihadists continue onslaught against Christians in Kaduna state, 30 abductions in one attack – October 12, 2023

Nepal: Pastor to spend year in jail for allegedly converting Hindus to Christianity – October 11, 2023

US Christian anti-trafficking ministry has rescued more than 40,000 women and children from sexual predators – October 11, 2023

Chinese government continues crackdown on Christianity – October 10, 2023