Continuing conflict over Jerusalem.

When the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, announced that the United Nations had upgraded the Palestinians to non-member observer status he asserted, “One day, a young Palestinian will raise the Palestinian flag over Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine” (israelnationalnews.com, December 2, 2012).

However, within 24 hours of the U.N. decision, Israel announced it would begin construction of 3,000 new housing units in disputed areas around Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria.  From the Palestinian point of view, this announcement is seen as an “act of Israeli aggression” on the part of Israel.  However, the Israelis counter that the announcement is just part of a “comprehensive settlement plan” and “according to Israel’s strategic interests” (israelnationalnews.com, November 30, 2012). 

Bible prophecies have long warned that conflict over the Holy Land will erupt in its final form just before Jesus Christ returns to this earth.  In fact, Jesus Himself warned, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near... And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:7-24).  We appear to be moving closer to that prophesied time.  See our booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy for more details.