Turkey Says a ' New Order ' in the Middle East Must Include Palestinian State

Palestine Leader Says Israel Cannot Keep “One Inch” of Land

Source Jewish Voice Ministry International

It received very little attention in the Western press, but as Jewish People across Israel and around the world began their celebration of Chanukah last weekend, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal laid out the terms of the struggle for Israel’s survival in the clearest way possible. Appearing in Gaza at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Hamas terrorist organization, Mashaal declared that the Palestinians will never recognize Israel’s right to exist.

Mashaal said, “From the sea [Mediterranean] to the river [Jordan], from north to south, we will not give up any part of Palestine — it is our country, our right and our homeland.” Ominously he added, “We are all one,” speaking of Palestinians residing in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and inside Israel. There is no room for the Jewish state in the minds of most Palestinians.

Yet the United Nations recently voted overwhelmingly to recognize Palestine as a “non-member entity” (the same legal status accorded to the Vatican) and the world is pressuring Israel to negotiate a peace deal with the very people who publicly declare that Israel should cease to exist. If the situation were not so deadly serious it would be funny. How is Israel supposed to make peace with those who demand Israel be destroyed? It cannot happen.

Though the threat is very real, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also real. He has promised to guard the Jewish People, and we have a responsibility to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. During the Chanukah celebration, I ask that you join with us in a special time of prayer—prayers that are so urgently needed right now.

Psalm 122:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Pope Pushes for False Peace in the Middle East

Source Associated Press

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday characterized his trip to Beirut later this week as a pilgrimage for peace for the entire Middle East region and its anguished people.

Benedict told pilgrims at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome that while finding solutions for the Middle East's problems seems difficult, people "shouldn't resign themselves to violence or worsening tensions."

He noted that during his three-day visit to the Lebanese capital, which begins Friday, he would meet with Lebanese authorities as well as Christians from Lebanon and other nearby countries.

"I am not unaware of the often dramatic situation endured by the populations of this region which has been for too long torn by incessant conflict," Benedict said. "I understand the anguish of many Middle Easterners steeped daily in sufferings of every kind, which afflict sadly, and sometimes mortally, their personal and family life."

The pope urged the international community to support efforts at dialogue and reconciliation, as he stressed "the importance for the whole world of a stable and lasting peace in the entire region.

"My apostolic voyage in Lebanon, and by extension in the Middle East in its entirety, comes under the sign of peace," Benedict said.

In recent weeks there was concern that spillover in parts of Lebanon from the fighting in Syria might derail the trip by the 85-year-old pontiff. But the Vatican has assured the faithful that despite a climate of tensions in Lebanon the pilgrimage is going forward.

Benedict's visit is also aimed at encouraging his flock in the Middle East. Some Christian communities there have suffered for their faith, including terror attacks in Iraq.

His schedule also includes his celebrating Mass in Beirut and attending a gathering with youth.

This is what the Bible says when men start saying peace and safety:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

King James Version (KJV)

5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
³ 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.