Graduates pick crops in Gaza and Palestinian Authority considers declaring statehood if Israel annexes Judea-Samaria
Twenty years ago, I wrote a book titled Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century (the book has been updated since and is on its third edition). The reason to mention that book is that we should always try to do what is best, whether it is old or new. The book title came to mind when I saw the following today:
Faster than machines, jobless Palestinian graduates bring in Gaza’s crops
June 10, 2020
GAZA — Covering the ground five times faster than a tractor for subsistence wages, 40 Palestinian graduates have teamed to pick crops in Gaza, after failing to launch the careers they studied for in a territory where unemployment runs at above 50%.
Including would-be teachers and nurses, they call themselves the Commandos on account of their quick-fire work.
This week, wearing caps as protection against the hot sun, they harvested wheat in the southern Gaza Strip near the Israeli border.
“We began with five or six graduates in 2016 and now the team has grown to 40,” team member Ala Abu Tair told Reuters. “A harvest that can take farmers 150 minutes while using tractors takes us just 30.” https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/politics-news-pmn/faster-than-machines-jobless-palestinian-graduates-bring-in-gazas-crops
Yes, sometimes manual labor is more efficient and effective than machine-technology. Those in Gaza have seen that.
Political change, of sorts, may be coming to Gaza. The Guardian reported the following:
Palestine will declare statehood over all of the West Bank and Gaza, with Jerusalem as its capital, and push for global recognition if Israel goes ahead with plans to annex land it occupies, the Palestinian prime minister has said.
Mohammad Shtayyeh described the possible step pledged by the Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, as an “existential threat” to a decades-long international effort for Israelis and Palestinians to reach an agreement that establishes two states side by side. …
His comments will also be interpreted as further exasperation from the Palestinian leadership, which has seen Israel – with backing from Donald Trump – move to solidify its already tight territorial grip. …
“We’re waiting and pushing for Israel not to annex,” Shtayyeh said. “If Israel is going to annex after July 1st, we are going to go from the interim period of the Palestinian Authority into the manifestation of a state on the ground.
“What does a manifestation of the state on the ground mean? It means that there will be a foundational council. There will be a constitutional declaration. And Palestine will be on the borders of [19]67, with Jerusalem as its capital. And we will call on the international community to recognise this land. That is where we are.”
In a phone conversation last week with James Cleverly, the UK’s minister for the Middle East and north Africa, Shtayyeh called on London to recognise Palestine as a state.
Cleverly had told parliament in May that the UK would not support Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank because it would make a “two-state solution” harder to achieve. The UK has not recognised Palestinian statehood.
Shtayyeh, however, said he was optimistic that European governments would consider recognising Palestine as a response to annexation. “I think the British government and all European governments are really looking at this very seriously. The tone I have heard was very different, too,” he said. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/palestine-says-it-will-declare-statehood-if-israel-annexes-west-bank
As far as international uproar goes, the Arab League and Europeans oppose the annexations. Notice something from the German press:
Germany’s Maas heads to Israel to lobby against West Bank annexation
10 June 2020
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against annexing parts of the occupied West Bank.
The annexation of Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley is part of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan, with a separate, reduced-in-size Palestinian state.
This peace plan involves annexation of Israeli settlements, and it has been rejected by Palestine. Palestinians had submitted an alternate plan to the diplomatic quartet, comprising of the US, UN, Russia and the EU.
Speaking at a news conference, Maas said Germany and the European Union would “seek dialogue” with Israel.
But he made clear that Europe considers annexation incompatible with international law.
“Many people in Israel — and also in the European Union — are preoccupied with the current developments in the Middle East peace process and the possible annexation plans,” Maas said prior to his departure. “Germany remains committed to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution.” https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-maas-heads-to-israel-to-lobby-against-west-bank-annexation/a-53755541
Palestinian Authority President Abbas and many in Europe, do not believe that Donald Trump’s “Vision for Peace” (which he has referred to as “The deal of the century”) is acceptable. I will not be surprised if Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas makes promises to the Palestinians that ultimately will move in the direction of the Palestinians ending up with territories that Israel now dominates.
Israel, itself, is also concerned that, annexation aside, that the economic factors may trigger violence:
Israeli security officials fear an outbreak of a new “violent” Intifada in the occupied West Bank due to an economic crisis that would undermine the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Despite the limited spread of the coronavirus in the occupied West Bank, it has had a tangible negative impact on the economy that might be deemed an incentive for an uprising if Israel implements the annexation plan, Israeli security officials fear.
The expected Intifada could undermine the PA and the sovereignty of Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied territories. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200516-israel-fears-new-violent-intifada-in-west-bank-due-to-economic-crisis/
In addition, because of COVID-19, Israel sealed borders and that certainly has resulted in less tourist dollars coming into Palestinian controlled territories.
An Intifada may well cause leaders in Israel and Palestine to look for peace as peace deals tend to come after military conflict.
In December 2019, I posted an article titled 20 items to prophetically watch in 2020. Here is something from number 7 of those items:
7. Strife and the Red Horse of War
Notice the following:
3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:3-4)
Somewhat paralleling the ride of the second horseman of Revelation 6:3-4, Jesus warned about wars and disturbances … Notice how the Orthodox Jewish Bible translates the first half of Matthew 24:7:
For there will be an intifada of ethnic group against ethnic group, …
We expect to see more wars, rumors of war, and civil unrest.
We are seeing this. “Intifada” essentially means rebellion or uprising–it comes from an Arabic word meaning to “cast off.” The Palestinians want to cast off Israeli control.
Notice that the ride of the second horse is to take peace from the earth. This ride will not always bring war, but includes riots and, likely false peace.
The Bible teaches:
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:3-6)
Part of the reason the world will not understand the ride of the red horse is because there will be various declarations of peace. For example, as regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, Bible prophecy does tell of a temporary peace deal coming to the Middle East in the Book of Daniel:
26 And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).
The biblically-prophesied “prince” to confirm it will be a European leader who is later called the King of the North in Daniel 11:40. The ‘one week’ has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a seven year deal, that is broken in the middle of it (after 3 1/2 years). This break is also confirmed in the following scripture:
31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)
The “him” above is the European King of the North.
Notice that he will claim essentially to bring peace and security:
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).
23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)
So this leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace” and is involved in some type of deal. This is the same leader that confirms the covenant in Daniel 9:27. The term is translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security and/or trade arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals or treaties. Land swaps or changes to territories are likely.
Such moves will get many to think a utopian time of world peace is coming, but that will not be the truth as this leader will be a warring one according to the Bible (Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-43).
This leader may move to Jerusalem to claim to enforce peace, but according to Jesus, that should serve as a warning that it is time to flee:
20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. (Luke 21:20-21)
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)
Notice also that the armies surrounding Jerusalem and the abomination standing in the holy place will be signals that it is time to flee. But, sadly, most Christians will not accept that sign, probably because of lukewarmness and claims that it is being done for peaceful reasons–plus they hold many prophetic misunderstandings that, unless they change them, will prevent them from seeing what is happening (see Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?). For more on fleeing, check out the article: There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra.
Annexation will NOT go as well as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu hopes. Ultimately, the Bible shows that Israel will lose territories to the Palestinians (see Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy).
Related to the Trump plan, we made the following video for our Bible News Prophecy program:
Here is a link to our video: Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27?
As far as annexation goes, it will be another factor to drive the Palestinians further away from the USA, while driving them closer to the Europeans.
As far as Gaza itself goes, biblical prophecies indicate that it will end up with territories currently controlled by the Jewish state of Israel (see Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy).
Biblical prophecies will come to pass.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Jordan in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible show will happen to the inhabitants of Jordan? Will they escape and then be punished? A related video is titled Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. Here is a link to a shorter video: rump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
20 items to prophetically watch in 2020 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 20 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related sermon: 20 Prophetic Items to Watch in 2020.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2020, 2021, or 2022? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter and newer video is: Could the Great Tribulation Begin in 2020?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
Evangelical support for Donald Trump’s Jerusalem policy BBC asked, “Why do US evangelicals support Trump’s Jerusalem policy?” BBC provided quotes from some believing it has to do with the ‘last days’ while others saying that is not the reason. Hal Lindsey’s book, ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’ is one of the sources pointed to. In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses scriptures related to Jerusalem as well as prophetic ones. He goes over the common ‘fig tree’ interpretation, belief about a ‘Third Temple,’ and statements about animal sacrifices. He explains biblical statements on those subjects as well as the views of certain modern Jewish organizations. This is a video.
Jerusalem, Donald Trump, and Prophecy On December 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise related to the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. This brought anger, protests, and rockets from some Palestinians. It also brought condemnation from European allies–it has been claimed to be disruptive and even catastrophic. The Palestinian President (Mahmoud Abbas) said that this pronouncement eliminated the USA as being a fair mediator for a peace deal. Others have claimed that Donald Trump is an end time Cyrus and his pronouncement will lead to a Third Temple in Jerusalem. Is there ever going to be a peace deal? If so, will Europeans be part of it? Is Donald Trump a ‘Cyrus.’ Do the Jews require a Third Temple for sacrifices? Dr. Thiel answer those questions and more in this video.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Europe and the ‘Holy Roman Empire’.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Who were the Nazarene Christians? What did they believe? Should 21st century Christians be modern Nazarenes? Is there a group that exists now that traces its history through the Nazarenes and holds the same beliefs today? Here is a link to a related video sermon Nazarene Christians: Were the early Christians “Nazarenes”?
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: N;ÿ Œf/’Y’jNº’ÿ Here is a link to a related English sermon video titled: The Man of Sin will deceive most ‘Christians’.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic? Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.
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