Palestinian statehood?

Actions in the UN last week forced discussions about a future Palestine.  Since Palestinian president Abbas made his request, five EU nations, including France, have pushed to “upgrade” Palestinian territories to “full-membership” in the UN.   Three other EU nations have joined the UK and U.S. in opposition.  Many UN members are avoiding the discussion in support of restarting the stalled peace talks.  “The potential UN vote on Palestine’s status could end up splitting the EU and causing a clash with the US in what diplomats are calling a ’train wreck’” (EU Observer, September 26, 2011).

After his UN speech on Sunday, Mr. Abbas returned home, vowing to resist peace talks unless Palestine is granted statehood and Israel stops expanding settlements in the West Bank (Reuters, September 25, 2011).  However he did announce that a “Palestinian Spring” has begun (Associated Press, September 25, 2011).   The Palestinian statehood issue is putting more pressure on Israel and its neighbors.

Christ warned that, one day, Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies, and eventually “trampled” by “Gentiles” for 3.5 years (Luke 21:20-24, Revelation 11:2).  Events today are building toward this sobering, prophesied time.