VFI News May 25, 2021

Israel has agreed to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials have updated the Egyptian mediator brokering the negotiations that it agrees to end its military operation.

Hamas officials also indicated to Arab media that a ceasefire with Israel is expected to take effect on Friday. The group further said that Hamas initially refused a ceasefire in which the organization stops firing rockets before the IDF ceases attacks.

The security cabinet met at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, to discuss a possible truce. The ceasefire began before dawn on Friday, May 21. (JPost / VFI News)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.

The drone Israel shot down near the border with Jordan on Tuesday, May 18, was Iranian, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

“While we were engaged in these hostilities a few days ago, Iran sent an armed drone from Iraq or from Syria,” Netanyahu told German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who was in Jerusalem. “Iranian forces launched an armed drone, which our forces intercepted on the border between Israel and Jordan.

“I think that says everything on the true patron of terror in the Middle East and in the world: Iran,” Netanyahu added, showing Maas a piece of the drone. (JPost / VFI News)

“God we ask that you protect all the innocent lives who are under threat of attack from Iran.”

Former President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that Iran is "dangerous" for stability in the Middle East and the world while warning that a two-state solution amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be "very difficult at this stage."

When asked about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence, Bush said that what "you're seeing playing out is Iranian influence targeted toward Israel."

When asked about how the U.S. should engage with Tehran, Bush said, "I think the best approach with regard to Iran is to understand that their influence is dangerous for world peace, that they are very much involved with extremist movements in Lebanon and Syria and Yemen, and they are aiming to spread their influence." (Fox / VFI News)

Several members of the Palestine Action group on Wednesday, May 19, climbed up on the roof of the building in Leicester, a city located about 100 miles northwest of London, Newsweek reported. Others chained themselves to the gates.

The factory, which is also co-owned by the French firm Thales, is involved in the production of drones, they said.

Police and the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene, a police spokesperson told the BBC.

“A further group of protesters have since arrived on the ground,” the spokesperson said. “Police remain at the scene and are attempting to engage with those on the roof.” (JPost / VFI News)

Barry takes us inside the city to survey the damage, and find out what can be done to protect human lives during what may be many different oncoming military escalations.

On Monday, May 17, Jordanian lawmakers unanimously carried a motion urging the government to expel Israel’s ambassador to Amman in protest against Israeli “crimes” against Palestinians.

Parliament Speaker Abdul Monem Odat announced the move live on television after a parliamentary session devoted to “the situation in Palestine and the crimes committed against them in Jerusalem and Gaza.”

During a six-hour-long session, “the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador” was among the key recommendations carried, Odat said. Amir Weissbroad, the Israeli envoy, took up his post in 2018. (TOI / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you help Israel to have sustainable peace with her neighbors.”

The countries involved in negotiations in Vienna on renewing the nuclear deal with Iran have agreed to lift all major sanctions on the Islamic Republic, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced on Thursday, according to the Iranian Fars News Agency.

"All parties to the talks have agreed to lift all major sanctions on oil, petrochemicals, shipping, insurance, the central bank, and so on," Rouhani said. "We have taken the main step and discussed the details; the main agreement has been reached. There are issues we are discussing to reach a final agreement."

Despite the claims by Rouhani, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed that some key issues still have not been decided, according to Fars. Araghchi added that the US needed to unilaterally lift sanctions against Iran and return to the UN Security Council. (JPost / VFI News)

Israel signed a free trade agreement with South Korea this week that is expected to increase trade between the countries to over $3 billion.

That makes South Korea, which has the 11th largest economy in the world, the first Asian country to sign a free trade agreement with Israel.

The agreement was signed in Seoul by Economy Minister Amir Peretz and his South Korean counterpart, the Minister for Trade, Ms. Yoo Myung-Hee.

Under the agreement, Israel will increase exports to South Korea and exempt from customs duties vehicles and spare parts, electrical products, and air conditioning systems imported into Israel. (JPost / VFI News)

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. - Proverbs 12:26

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday, May 19, the government would support Britain's Jewish community in any way it could after a spike in anti-Semitic incidents, including an attack on a rabbi, following the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which advises Britain's estimated 280,000 Jews on security matters, said it had recorded 106 anti-Semitic incidents since May 8 compared to 19 in the 11 previous days, a fivefold increase.

Responding to a question in parliament from Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, Johnson said: "I share his horror at the outbreak of anti-Semitic incidents and the government has conveyed that message loud and clear to those who are responsible for enforcing the law against hate crime." (Yahoo / VFI News)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6

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