VFI News Hamas Military Chief Rejects Trump Cease-Fire Plan, Vows to Keep Fighting; Manchester Synagogue Attack on Yom Kippur Spurs Security Alerts Across Europe

President Trump’s Gaza plan could change everything for Israel and the Middle East. As the UN and 157 countries extend recognition to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu faced walkouts at the UN General Assembly while Trump unveiled a 21-point proposal to end the Gaza war, secure the release of hostages, and reshape the region’s future. This plan includes giving Gazans the option to stay or leave, offering Hamas leaders exile opportunities, and establishing a technocratic administration for the Strip under international supervision.

With the Palestinian Authority struggling to govern and global attention heavily focused on Israel, Trump’s Gaza plan represents a bold attempt to bring peace, protect Israeli interests, and address one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.

#TrumpGazaPlan #IsraelPalestine #GazaWar2025 #MiddleEastPeace #UNGA

Two worshipers were killed and others were wounded during Yom Kippur at a synagogue in Manchester when a terrorist used a vehicle as a weapon and then attacked with a knife. British authorities said the attacker attempted to force his way into the synagogue as congregants sheltered inside, before he was stopped by on-site security and responding police. The incident shook the local community on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and prompted immediate reinforcements around synagogues across the city.

Police said the suspect was identified and neutralized at the scene, while bomb disposal teams investigated reports of a possible explosive threat that did not materialize. Community leaders praised the calm, rapid response of synagogue staff and volunteers who blocked entry and protected those inside. UK officials vowed an increased police presence to deter any additional threats to Jewish institutions.

The attack raised concerns about broader copycat threats at houses of worship and communal spaces during the High Holy Days. Vigils and prayer gatherings were announced throughout the community to honor the victims and support the wounded, as Jewish organizations coordinated with security services to ensure safe observances in the days ahead. (NYP/VFI News)

“Lord God of Israel, we lift up all the Jewish community in Manchester and around the world and ask for Your divine protection over every Jewish institution and individual. We pray for the families of the two individuals who lost their lives in this attack — bring them comfort at this time. We also ask for healing for those who were injured. We ask and plead that any terror attack will be thwarted before it comes to fruition, especially during this season of high holidays. Restore the sense of safety within every Jewish heart, and let those who love Your people rise up and protect them. In Yeshua’s name we pray.”

Television host and barrister Rob Rinder called on Britons to stand visibly with the Jewish community after the deadly terror attack in Manchester. His message emphasized unity, the need to reject antisemitism in all forms, and concrete support for those afraid to attend worship or send children to Jewish schools in the attack’s aftermath.

Rinder highlighted the moral responsibility to ensure that Jewish citizens feel secure in public spaces and called for solidarity across communities and faiths. He also urged social media platforms and public figures to avoid rhetoric that can inflame hatred, stressing that the safety of minorities is a measure of a society’s health.

His appeal resonated as vigils and interfaith gatherings were planned across British cities, with charities and volunteer groups mobilizing resources for counseling and security assistance. Community advocates expressed hope that public support would help counter the fear and isolation felt by many Jewish families this week. (DM/VFI News)

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

A report indicated that Hamas’s military leadership remains opposed to the cease-fire and hostage-release framework advanced by President Donald Trump. While the public timetable for a response remains short, the militant wing was said to be pressing for continued confrontation rather than concessions viewed as core to Israel’s demands—especially disarmament and the terms for releasing hostages.

The stated rejection intensified diplomatic pressure on Hamas’s political leadership abroad, which has been engaged with intermediaries in Doha, Cairo, and Ankara. Officials in the region sought to clarify whether the refusal represented the group’s final word or a bargaining posture meant to extract amendments to the American proposal. The signal from Hamas’s military chief nevertheless deepened skepticism about near-term de-escalation.

Regional governments urged a unified, constructive response that would prioritize civilian protection and the fate of the remaining hostages, while Israel maintained that any agreement must ensure an end to Hamas’s capabilities to wage war. The prospect of internal Hamas divisions—between commanders in Gaza and negotiators abroad—added a layer of uncertainty to an already fragile diplomatic window. (NYP/VFI News)

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14

Hamas figures were reported to be divided on whether to support President Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza, with sources indicating the group is pushing to alter key clauses. The proposed changes reportedly focus on the scope and timing of disarmament and on sequencing the release of hostages—elements that Israel has flagged as non-negotiable for a durable cease-fire. The deliberations were said to involve contacts with Turkish, Egyptian, and Qatari officials, with a short timeline for an official reply. 

The diplomatic track is unfolding under a public countdown set by Washington, which warned that Hamas had “three or four days” to accept the plan or face consequences. The group’s interlocutors signaled that any answer would reflect internal bargaining between military and political wings. For Israel, acceptance without verifiable disarmament provisions would be insufficient, while a rejection could trigger renewed military pressure aimed at freeing the remaining hostages. 

Observers noted that even a “positive” reply conditioned on amendments could prolong negotiations and leave hostilities in limbo. The path forward likely hinges on third-party guarantors able to enforce compliance on issues that have stalled previous rounds, notably the dismantling of Hamas’s combat infrastructure and the verified return of hostages. (TOI/VFI News)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

The Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, the Feast of Ingathering, the Feast of Booths... what do all these names mean? What is Sukkot all about and what is the Biblical significance behind it? Join Barry Segal for this special Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) episode where he dives deep into the spiritual significance of this feast and why you, as a believer in Yeshua, should be observing Sukkot.

German federal prosecutors announced the arrest of three suspects alleged to be working for Hamas and preparing targeted attacks against Israelis and local Jews. Authorities said the men were involved in procuring weapons and ammunition for potential assassinations and raids on Jewish institutions. Searches reportedly uncovered an AK-47, several pistols, and significant quantities of ammunition as police intervened during a suspected weapons handover. 

The suspects—identified in line with German privacy laws—were detained in Berlin, with additional searches in Leipzig and Oberhausen. Investigators highlighted a heightened threat environment for Jewish communities since October 7, with European security services increasing protective patrols and monitoring plots inspired or directed by foreign terrorist organizations. 

Officials emphasized that the arrests came amid broader debates on how Europe should counter antisemitic violence and whether heightened political rhetoric could fuel extremist activity. Germany, citing historical responsibility and present security threats, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Jewish life and institutions nationwide. (TOI/VFI News)

“God of Israel, shield Jewish communities across Europe and around the world. Grant wisdom to investigators and courage to leaders to dismantle terror networks before they strike. Comfort the anxious and restore a sense of safety to every synagogue, school, and community center.”

As calls circulated for Israel’s suspension from international soccer, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said the question should be handled by UEFA, the European governing body where Israel competes. UEFA had been expected to weigh a vote but reportedly delayed following the publication of the American plan to end the Gaza war and free the hostages. Montagliani, who leads CONCACAF, stressed that each confederation should manage its own member matters, while FIFA continues preparing for next year’s expanded World Cup. 

Amid appeals from advocacy groups to bar Israel’s football association, Montagliani said any decisions must respect established processes and not be driven by political statements. Organizers also indicated no plans to change World Cup host venues, while acknowledging that kickoff times and heat considerations may be adjusted based on recent U.S.-hosted tournaments. 

The debate over Israel’s participation underscores the intersection of sport and geopolitics since the war’s outbreak, with disciplinary questions now tied to cease-fire prospects and the fate of hostages. For Israeli players, continued qualification matches within UEFA remain crucial for maintaining their pathway to the 2026 World Cup. (TOI/VFI News)

Back in June, emergency crews and volunteers searching a bombed apartment block uncovered a frightened house cat trapped beneath debris and carried it to safety, where neighbors helped provide water and gentle care. Video from the scene showed the soot-covered feline meowing as rescuers coaxed it out and checked for injuries before scanning for a microchip. The reunion that followed—teary owners clutching their pet as onlookers applauded—offered a rare moment of relief amid days of air-raid sirens and shattered homes. 

Animal welfare groups said such rescues have become a quiet but meaningful part of their wartime response: setting up temporary shelters, ferrying animals to clinics, and reuniting pets with displaced families. Veterinarians reported a spike in stress-related symptoms among animals—refusal to eat, trembling, hiding—while volunteers circulated tips for calming pets during sirens and arranged foster placements when owners needed time to stabilize housing. 

The story spread quickly across local social media, drawing offers of food, carriers, and free checkups for other rescued animals. Volunteers emphasized that every reunion helps children and adults process trauma, turning a small act of compassion into a strengthening thread for entire neighborhoods. (JPost/VFI News)

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” – Proverbs 12:10

Archaeologists at the ancient city of Hippos (Sussita) near the Sea of Galilee uncovered nearly 100 pure gold coins and jewelry fragments, a discovery they say illuminates the final years of the Byzantine era in the region. The University of Haifa team explained that the hoard was likely hidden during the Sassanid invasion around 614 CE—possibly by a wealthy family or goldsmith who never returned to reclaim it. A metal detectorist with the expedition stumbled upon the treasure when his device began “going crazy” as coins appeared one after another. 

The find includes an unusual mix of denominations—solidi, semisses, and tremisses—spanning from Justin I to early Heraclius, offering a precise snapshot of the period’s upheavals. Researchers also noted fabric residue on the coins, indicating they were concealed in a cloth bag, and jewelry pieces that suggest private ownership rather than a church deposit. The trove adds texture to a site already known for multiple Byzantine churches and a vibrant Christian community before a devastating earthquake in 749 CE. 

Beyond its scientific value, the discovery inspires wonder at the lives once lived atop the Golan Heights overlooking the Galilee—families who worked, prayed, and then hurriedly hid their wealth as war approached. The team says the research is just beginning, with hopes the hoard will refine our understanding of Hippos’s economy and resilience during a turbulent century.  (TOI/VFI News)

“Creator of heaven and earth, thank You for the layers of history in the Land of Israel. As discoveries surface from ages past, let them deepen respect for this land’s heritage and for all who live in it today. Grant wisdom to protect these treasures and to build a future marked by peace, learning, and reverence for Your works.”

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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