Trump says Hamas has ‘three or four days’ to respond to Gaza plan or ‘pay in hell’

Trump says Hamas has ‘three or four days’ to respond to Gaza plan or ‘pay in hell’ 

Jacob Magid

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will give Hamas “three or four days” to agree to his Gaza peace plan, “or pay in hell,” as the terror group faces heavy pressure from the Arab world to accept the proposal.

A day after unveiling the proposal alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump told reporters as he departed the White House that Israeli and Arab leaders have accepted the plan and “we’re just waiting for Hamas.”

He said the terror group has about “three or four days” to respond. “Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end.”

Asked if there is room for negotiations on the peace plan, Trump said: “Not much.”

“We have one signature that we need, and that signature will pay in hell if they don’t sign. I hope they sign for their own good and create something really great,” Trump later told US generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia.

The 20-point plan, unveiled at the White House on Monday, would see all 48 hostages — roughly 20 of whom are believed to be alive — released within 72 hours, and the Strip demilitarized and handed over to a transitional, “technocratic” government. Hamas members who give up their arms would be granted amnesty.

In exchange, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences; 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, including all women and children; and 15 bodies of deceased Gazans for every body of an Israeli hostage released.

Aid will then flow into the war-torn enclave, and a process of demilitarizing, de-radicalizing, and redeveloping the Strip will begin.

Russia Alleges Ukraine Preparing False Flag Operation in Poland

Russia Alleges Ukraine Preparing False Flag Operation in Poland 

yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on Tuesday accused Ukraine of preparing a staged operation in the European Union aimed at escalating tensions with Moscow. According to the SVR, a Ukrainian “sabotage group” is being readied to enter Poland under the guise of Russian and Belarusian special forces in an attempt to frame Moscow and Minsk for hostile actions.

“Kiev expects to prompt European countries to respond to Russia as harshly as possible, preferably in a military manner,” the SVR said in its statement, as reported by RT.

The agency alleged the plan would end with Polish security forces “detecting and neutralizing” the group, followed by staged confessions presented to the media to implicate Russia and Belarus in efforts to destabilize Poland.

“Another provocation is currently being worked out [by the government of Vladimir Zelensky and would revolve around] a sabotage and reconnaissance group deployed into Polish territory and allegedly consisting of special forces servicemen from Russia and Belarus,” the SVR said.

Moscow further claimed the operation is being coordinated by Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) with the involvement of Polish intelligence agencies. The operatives allegedly chosen for the mission are said to come from the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Belarusian Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, both units that fight alongside Ukrainian forces.

The SVR linked this alleged plan to what it described as the “drone fiasco” of last week, saying the purported provocation is intended to remove “any doubt in the minds of the Poles and other ordinary Europeans that Moscow and Minsk stand behind all the hostile actions.”

No independent confirmation of the claims has been provided, and neither Ukraine nor Poland has issued an official response to Moscow’s allegations.

Deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes central Philippines - Update

Deadly 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes central Philippines 

Brandon Miller

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday, killing people at a sports arena and raising fears of considerable destruction.

The earthquake struck around 10 p.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), only around 10 kilometers (6 miles) underwater, just west of Palompon in the Philippines and close to the city of Bogo in Cebu province.

A quake of this strength in the region could cause casualties and damage to poorly built structures, early survey models suggest.

Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, said in a telephone interview that at least 13 people, including three members of the Philippine Coast Guard and one firefighter, died in the town of San Remigio when a sports complex collapsed during a basketball game.

Red Cross paramedics treated at least 60 people for injuries in three provinces, he said.

“Some churches partially collapsed, and some schools had to be evacuated,” Gordon said. “This was a sleeper,” he said of the late-night quake. “It crept up on us.”

Footage shared on social media from Cebu province showed a fire breaking out at a mall due to the earthquake, as well as a badly damaged McDonald’s. Beauty pageant contestants were seen in another video running off the stage as the earthquake started.

The Philippine Red Cross said there were reports at schools in Cebu of debris, cracks in buildings and a temporary power failure.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), which recorded multiple aftershocks close to the epicenter in the hours after the initial earthquake, canceled a tsunami alert for the Leyte, Biliran and Cebu provinces early Wednesday local time.

A minor eruption from the country’s Taal volcano, about 70 km (45 miles) south of central Manila, was also recorded by Phivolcs. It stated that the eruption produced a 2,500-meter-high plume that drifted northwest, but the alert level remains at Level 1.

More than half a million people felt very strong shaking across the Visayan Islands, which include Cebu, Biliran and Leyte in the central Philippines, according to estimates from USGS.

Video shows moment 6.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Philippines, prompting tsunami warning

QUAKE SHOCK Five dead after 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Philippines as buildings collapse after shake hit in middle of night

9 Signs That The United States And NATO Are Both Preparing For War

9 Signs That The United States And NATO Are Both Preparing For War 

Michael Snyder

The only way that Russia could possibly be defeated in Ukraine would be if western forces get directly involved in the conflict. Sadly, it appears that events are rapidly taking us in that direction. When long-range missiles that are provided by western countries and that are guided to their targets by western countries start slamming into Moscow, it is likely that the Russians will respond with overwhelming force. That will give western countries all the justification that they need to officially enter the war, and then we will be just one step away from a nuclear apocalypse. The following are 9 signs that the United States and NATO are both preparing for war…

#1 Keith Kellogg has told Fox News that President Trump has given Ukraine authorization to conduct long-range missile strikes deep inside Russian territory…

“Are you saying it is the President’s position that Ukraine can conduct long-range strike into Russia? That that has been authorized by the President?” the Fox News host asked Kellogg.

“I think reading what he has said and reading what Vice President Vance has said as well as Secretary Rubio, the answer is, yes,” Kellogg said in response.

#2 According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is asking firms that produce missiles for the U.S. military to “double or even quadruple production rates”…

The Pentagon, alarmed at the low weapons stockpiles the U.S. would have on hand for a potential future conflict with China, is urging its missile suppliers to double or even quadruple production rates on a breakneck schedule.

The push to speed production of the critical weapons in the highest demand has played out through a series of high-level meetings between Pentagon leaders and senior representatives from several U.S. missile makers, according to people familiar with the matter. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg is taking an unusually hands-on role in the effort, called the Munitions Acceleration Council, and calls some company executives weekly to discuss it, some of the people said.

#3 It has been confirmed that the U.S. is strongly considering sending long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine…

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that the White House is actively considering proposals to sell Tomahawk missiles to European allies for use in Ukraine.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Vice President Vance said that the Trump administration is “looking at” sending long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, as Washington seeks to ramp up pressure on Moscow to come to the negotiating table and come to a peace agreement to end the bloody conflict.

“It’s something the President’s going to make the final determination on,” Vance said of the Tomahawks. “I’ll let the president speak to it, but I know that we’re having conversations this very minute about that issue.”

Tomahawk cruise missiles can travel 1,000 miles, and they would be a very serious threat to the city of Moscow.

It is expected that Vladimir Putin is expected to address this threat during a “major speech” that he is scheduled to deliver next week…

Vladimir Putin is set to make a “major speech” in what the Kremlin is promising to be an “interesting week”. The announcement comes following remarks by the US Vice President J D Vance on Friday, in which he said Donald Trump was considering a request to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dropped the cryptic message in an interview on Sunday with the Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. “The President will deliver a fairly major speech next week,” he said. “We will announce what it will be about, as well as exactly when and where. But the week will be interesting.”

It is also being reported that conscription of soldiers for the Russian military has reached the highest level in nine years…

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the conscription of 135,000 men by the end of 2025, the largest conscription drive in nine years.

#4 Denmark is suddenly calling up hundreds of reservists…

In Denmark, reservists were urgently called up for service on Sunday, September 28. This decision was made due to drones in Danish airspace, according to TV2.

According to sources cited by the news agency, “several hundred” reservists were called up for service. The summons explicitly states that the decision was made due to incidents involving unidentified drones. Soldiers were instructed to report as quickly as possible.

The outlet’s interlocutors added that the call-up of reservists was carried out to prepare for their possible deployment within Denmark.

#5 NATO forces in the Baltic Sea are in a state of “enhanced vigilance”…

A spokesperson for Nato said it has “enhanced vigilance” in the Baltic Sea following the intrusions.

The reinforced measures “include multiple intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms and at least one air-defence frigate” in the region to the west of Russia, alliance spokesman Martin O’Donnell said.

#6 French hospitals have been instructed to prepare for mass casualties by March 2026…

French hospitals have been told to prepare a potential armed conflict in Europe by next year, local media reported.

In a letter sent to regional health agencies, revealed by Le Canard Enchaîné , the Ministry of Health asked hospitals to prepare for a “major (military) engagement” by March 2026.

The newspaper warned that between 10,000 and 50,000 men could be expected in hospitals over a period of 10 to 180 days.

#7 Germany is preparing to treat up to 1,000 wounded troops per day…

Germany’s armed forces are planning how to treat a potential 1,000 wounded troops per day should a large-scale conflict between NATO and Russia break out.

Moscow has rejected any suggestions it might be preparing for a war with the Western military alliance, but the latest incursions of Russian jets and drones into NATO territory have raised fears of escalation.

Germany’s Surgeon General Ralf Hoffmann said the number of wounded troops in a potential conflict would depend on the intensity of battle and which military units were involved.

#8 On Tuesday, President Trump, the Secretary of War, and every general and admiral in our military will be gathered at a military base in Virginia…

#9 A fleet of U.S. tankers just made the long journey across the Atlantic Ocean…

Flight trackers have spotted a fleet of US air tankers crossing the Atlantic just as Donald Trump prepares to meet with generals and admirals on Tuesday.

Around a dozen KC-135R/T Stratotankers were making the journey on Sunday night, with several en route to RAF Mildenhall – a major Air Force base in England, open-source intelligence (OSINT) accounts reported on X.

The presence of air tankers can indicate that the US or Nato is addressing an urgent military requirement for fighter jet refueling capacity.

The last time we witnessed a deployment of tankers of this magnitude, we bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities…

The deployment carries ominous weight, according to three Defense Department sources – two former, one current – who spoke to the Daily Mail on condition of anonymity.

The last time the US moved tankers in comparable numbers was five days before American warplanes struck Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump is meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.

Each one of the items in this list is certainly noteworthy.

But when you put them all together, a very alarming picture emerges.

Something is up.

2025 has been a year of war, but the vast majority of the population is simply not prepared for what is coming next.

"Peace, Peace," Says the President, but what we See Is War, War Evermore

Putin orders largest autumn army call-up in 10 years - launching military conscription for 135,000 men

Putin orders largest autumn army call-up in 10 years - launching military conscription for 135,000 men

CIARAN FOREMAN

Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's largest autumn military conscription since 2016 as he continues his assault on Ukraine.

The Kremlin despot wants 135,000 men between 18 and 30 years old to join the country's military service in a significantly bulked-up version of its seasonal recruitment drive.

Russia calls up young males for compulsory service each spring and autumn, which typically sees them serve for a year at a military base within the country.

Though there have been reports of conscripts being instantly put on the frontline, there is no guarantee that the latest recruits will be sent straight to war.

However, it is believed the Kremlin is feeling increased pressure to maintain an offensive after the death and injury toll for Russian soldiers well surpassed one million.

In a decree issued on Monday, Putin ordered 'the conscription of 135,000 citizens of the Russian Federation from October 1 to December 31, 2025'. 

Combined with the 160,000 Russians called up in the spring, it means 2025 is set to see the largest total number of call-ups to its military in nearly a decade.

Since launching his assault on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has put Russia on a war footing and boosted military spending to levels unseen since the Soviet era.

In an address on the Kremlin's website last night, Putin said his forces are prevailing in what he labelled as a 'righteous battle' against Ukraine.

He said: 'Our fighters and commanders go on the attack, and the entire country, all of Russia, is waging this righteous battle and working hard.

The Russian Defence Ministry also said it had taken control of two settlements of eastern Donetsk last night, Shandryholove and Zarichne.

It then issued a second statement saying Defence Minister Andrei Belousov had congratulated the unit for the 'bold and decisive' actions that led to the territorial captures.

Footage released by Russia showed troops moving between buildings while holding aloft a flag as they claimed to take control of Shandryholove.

US Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said Ukraine could receive approval for deep strikes into Russian territory. 

He said: 'Reading what [Trump] has said and reading what vice-president JD Vance has said, as well as secretary of state Marco Rubio, the answer is yes. 

'Use the ability to hit deep. There are no such things as sanctuaries.'

More...

Breaking: Powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake strikes the Philippines

Very strong mag. 6.9 Earthquake - Philippine Sea, Central Visayas, 54 km west of Ormoc, Philippines, on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025, at 09:59 pm (Manila time) - 43 minutes ago

A very strong magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred in the Philippine Sea near Ponson Island island, Philippines, in the evening of Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 9.59 pm local time (Asia/Manila GMT +8). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.The earthquake was felt over a large region.. The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would.

Powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake strikes the Philippines 

ADAM POGRUND, TRAINEE REPORTER

A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake has struck the Philippines.

The earthquake struck near the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. 

There was no tsunami threat after the earthquake, which had an epicentre of around 11km, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The Philippines lies on the 'Ring of Fire', a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. 

Local officials said no immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received yet, but inspections are underway across Cebu and neighboring provinces. 

Authorities warned that aftershocks are expected in the coming days, urging residents to remain vigilant. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow

Three powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.0, 7.0 and 6.9 in magnitude, struck near the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines

Three powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.0, 7.0 and 6.9 in magnitude, struck near the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines within minutes on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quakes occurred at a depth of 11 kilometers. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat following the tremors.

Urgent: 6.7-magnitude quake hits Leyte, Philippines -- GFZ

Foreshadowing Of Daniel's End-Times Covenant?

Is Trump's 'Board Of Peace' A Foreshadowing Of Daniel's End-Times Covenant? 

PNW STAFF

The eyes of the world are on Washington once again. President Donald Trump's dramatic announcement of a Gaza peace plan--complete with a "Board of Peace" he himself would chair, joined by figures such as Sir Tony Blair--has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles. Trump hailed it as a "big day, a beautiful day," even going so far as to call it "potentially one of the greatest days ever in civilization." 

Such words, striking in their triumphalism, demand not only geopolitical scrutiny but prophetic reflection. For those who study biblical prophecy--especially the visions of Daniel and the Revelation of John--this development is more than politics. It may be a foreshadowing of events foretold long ago.

The Covenant of Daniel's 70th Week

In Daniel 9:24-27, the prophet records a timeline of 70 "weeks" (literally "sevens"), a symbolic measure of God's prophetic calendar for Israel. Sixty-nine of these "weeks" (483 years) unfolded from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of Messiah the Prince. Yet one "week"--seven years--remains. This final week, often called Daniel's 70th week, is universally understood in Christian prophecy as the period of the Tribulation, culminating in the return of Christ.

The defining feature of this last seven years is a covenant: "He shall confirm a covenant with many for one week" (Daniel 9:27). Much hinges on that word "confirm." The Hebrew suggests not initiating a brand-new treaty, but strengthening or enforcing one already in effect. This means the Antichrist, the global leader of the end times, will take an existing framework and make it binding--giving it teeth, authority, and international guarantees.

Critically, the covenant must explicitly be for seven years. Any agreement shorter or longer does not fit the prophecy. And this covenant must be tied to Israel and "the many"--implying neighboring nations or perhaps even the broader international community. The figure who confirms it--the Antichrist--will not be a marginal player. He will rise to power through the allegiance of "ten kings," according to both Daniel (7:24) and Revelation (17:12). These ten leaders give him their authority, setting him up as the central arbiter of peace and power.

The Mystery of the Ten Kings

Who are these ten kings? Prophecy scholars have long debated this question. Daniel describes them as horns on the beast representing elements of the fourth kingdom--the Roman Empire. John's vision in Revelation likewise ties them to a revived imperial structure in the last days. The implication is clear: these are rulers or entities with influence over territory once belonging to the Roman Empire. Yet Rome's reach was vast--from Europe through the Middle East and North Africa. How, then, could this manifest in our time?

The European Union, with its 27 members, seems too large and unwieldy to represent a prophetic "ten." But the idea of a streamlined board or council of ten, empowered to make decisions on behalf of the wider body, is plausible. Could Trump's "Board of Peace"--a collection of world leaders tasked with overseeing Gaza and broader regional diplomacy--represent a prototype? While wild conjecture at this point, it is striking that such an entity would involve figures tied to both Europe (Tony Blair) and the Middle East, echoing the Roman world's old frontiers.

If such a board were capped at ten figures of global influence, it would eerily parallel the prophetic outline. And should one leader rise to dominate this group, given "oversight and power to make decisions," we would be seeing the embryonic shape of Daniel's vision.

Tony Blair's reemergence on the Middle East stage deserves close attention. Reports suggest he has put himself forward to chair the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA), a powerful body that would co-ordinate diplomacy, security, and reconstruction. Blair's potential role would make him not merely an advisor but a gatekeeper--"the escalation point" for sensitive decisions. That is extraordinary authority for one man, and although we are not suggesting Blair is the Antichrist, his proposed role foreshadows the very sort of centralized leadership Scripture describes.

The Rise of the International Security Force

Another element of the plan is the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF)--a multinational security body to patrol borders, prevent weapons smuggling, deter militant resurgence, and oversee reconstruction. Israel has long dreamed of "dwelling in safety," as Ezekiel 38 describes--a condition that seems unthinkable today. Yet what if such a force, backed by the world's great powers, finally convinced Israel that it was secure? Could this not set the stage for the false peace of Daniel's covenant?

Ezekiel's prophecy also warns that Israel's sense of safety will be shattered by invasion. The ISF may indeed be the mechanism through which Israel is lulled into that deceptive calm.

Prophetic Parallels--and Possible Pitfalls

Are we seeing prophecy unfold before our eyes? We must be cautious. Not every peace initiative is the covenant of Daniel 9:27. Many treaties have come and gone without fulfilling the strict criteria of the prophecy: a seven-year duration, confirmation by the Antichrist, and empowerment by ten kings. Without those specifics, this is foreshadowing at best, not fulfillment.

Yet the foreshadowing is instructive. We are watching a growing pattern: international leaders vying for control over Middle East peace, boards of global figures being assembled, and multinational forces promising security. These are exactly the kinds of arrangements that could one day crystallize into the prophetic covenant.

The Prophetic Certainties

While the details remain speculative, three things are certain from Scripture:

There will be a covenant confirmed for seven years between Israel and "many." Without that timeline and scope, it is not the prophesied covenant.

It will be confirmed--enforced--by the Antichrist. He will not merely suggest it; he will guarantee it, and Israel will trust him.

The Antichrist will receive power from ten kings. Whether a council, alliance, or revived empire, this structure will underpin his authority.

These are non-negotiables. The present developments, while striking, do not yet meet these marks. But they do remind us how swiftly the world could move in that direction.

We are not yet in Daniel's 70th week. The covenant of seven years has not been confirmed. The Antichrist has not been revealed. But we are witnessing structures, roles, and rhetoric that align uncannily with the prophetic outline. This is the foreshadowing of things to come--the silhouette before the figure, the rehearsal before the play.

For believers, this is both warning and comfort. Warning, that the world is hurtling toward the fulfillment of prophecy, and comfort, that none of this is outside God's sovereign plan. As Daniel was told, "the vision is certain, and the interpretation is sure" (Daniel 8:26). What we see now reminds us that God's Word is true, and the time is nearer than when we first believed.

Trump's "Board of Peace," Tony Blair's potential chairmanship of Gaza, and the rise of multinational security forces may not be the covenant itself, but they certainly sketch its contours. They reveal how easily ten leaders could entrust authority to one man, how Israel might be persuaded to dwell securely, and how the world could welcome a figure who promises "eternal peace."

Whether this is the moment or merely a foreshadowing, the lesson is clear: the prophetic stage is being set. We may not know the exact timing, but the outlines Daniel saw in vision 2,500 years ago are beginning to take shape before our eyes. And that means we must watch, pray, and lift our heads--for our redemption draws near.

Amir Tsarfati Analysis and Summary of White House Netanyahu Meeting

VIDEO: Amir Tsarfati Analysis and Summary of White House Netanyahu Meeting 

What happened in the White House Monday?  Amir breaks it all down in this important video.

Tony Blair is embroiled in a digital ID scandal

Tony Blair is embroiled in a digital ID scandal 

Rhoda Wilson

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is embroiled in a scandal concerning his alleged secret lobbying on behalf of Oracle, a tech giant considered a frontrunner to provide the UK’s new digital ID cards, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced would be required for employment.

Documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday reveal Blair asked Business Secretary Peter Kyle to consult with the technology institute founded by Oracle chairman Larry Ellison during a private meeting last year.

Blair is accused of secretly lobbying for Oracle, a company that stands to make millions from the Labour government’s controversial national ID card scheme.  The Ellison Institute of Technology, founded by Oracle’s chairman Larry Ellison, has donated or pledged £257 million to Blair’s Institute for Global Change.

The revelations have prompted sharp criticism, with opponents warning the scheme could open the door to cronyism and erode public trust, especially given Oracle’s existing major contracts worth up to £1 billion with four UK government ministries and the NHS.  Several MPs have called for a parliamentary inquiry into Blair’s role and the procurement process.

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said on Saturday: “Despite Keir Starmer’s promises of a ‘crackdown on cronyism’, these revelations show it runs right to the very top of this rotten Labour Government.

“Tony Blair lobbying Peter Kyle to set up meetings with groups linked to Larry Ellison – now in pole position for the Government’s Digital ID contract – reeks of a blatant conflict of interest. This has all the hallmarks of yet another cosy deal between Labour insiders and powerful vested interests.”

Technology writer Andrew Orlowski said: “Tony Blair is really just a salesman for the tech companies, and flies around the world looking for naive Governments who want to believe in magical solutions.”

Read more:

• Former UK Prime Minister Embroiled in Scandal, The European Conservative, 28 September 2025
• Is the tech giant who gave Blair £257m in line for huge ID card contract? Government embroiled in cronyism row after revelation former PM lobbied for his billionaire backer who could make millions, Daily Mail, 27 September 2025
• Insiders reveal how Larry Ellison’s money turned Blair’s institute into a tech sales and lobbying operation for Oracle, Lighthouse Reports, 24 September 2025
• Tony “war criminal” Blair is spreading his digital ID propaganda around the World, The Exposé, 3 August 2023

China Launches Major Crackdown on House Churches, Over 70 Believers Arrested

China Launches Major Crackdown on House Churches, Over 70 Believers Arrested

Emmitt Barry

Authorities in eastern China have carried out one of the largest crackdowns on unregistered Christian churches in recent years, arresting more than 70 people in a sweeping operation targeting Bible study groups and house church gatherings, according to Open Doors.

Pastors, church members, and seekers were detained during worship services, while others were taken from homes and workplaces. The crackdown, which began two months ago, mobilized as many as 400 police officers and 200 vehicles. Detainees were interrogated about denominational affiliations and financial activities, with at least 20 people fined amounts ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. The fines reportedly were tied to church offerings and so-called “illegal” Bible study meetings.

Local partners say the impact has been devastating. “Due to the recent crackdown, our church has come to a standstill,” one believer shared. “More than 80 groups within the house church movement have ceased meeting. Of the original 14 churches, only a few remain.” Many ministry leaders have stepped down under pressure, leaving just one full-time worker in the region.

The reasons for the operation remain unclear. Some speculate the churches were reported as “heretical,” betrayed by an informant, or suspected of foreign connections. Others note it reflects a broader policy by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to bring all religion under strict state control. Even state-sanctioned churches such as the Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Catholic Patriotic Association face increasing restrictions, closures, and demands to conform to communist ideology.

Adding to the concern, Ming*, a believer who had been previously monitored for his faith, has gone missing. Local partners fear he has again been detained after recent reports of beatings and threats by police for leading a small gospel gathering.

In the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors, China is ranked 15th out of 50 for severe Christian persecution, up four spots from the previous year. This rise is attributed to stricter regulatory enforcement, which has led to the shutdown of unregistered churches and increased scrutiny of official ones. Open Doors estimates there are about 96.7 million Christians in China.

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Christianity has experienced significant growth, with the number of Christians increasing from 4 million to an estimated 58 million Protestants and 9 million Catholics by 2010.

Despite ongoing intense persecution and strict government controls, current estimates suggest that there are between 80 and 100 million Christians in China, including both officially registered members and those in unregistered house church communities.

Wave of Attacks on Christians in India Follows Passage of Harsh Anti-Conversion Bill

Wave of Attacks on Christians in India Follows Passage of Harsh Anti-Conversion Bill

Worthy News

Civil society groups in Rajasthan are raising alarm over a sharp rise in attacks on Christians just weeks after the state assembly passed one of India’s harshest anti-conversion bills.

The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, approved on September 9, has not yet received gubernatorial assent, but civil society organizations have already documented at least nine incidents of harassment and assault this month. The pattern, they say, shows how vigilante groups have been emboldened to target Christians under the pretext of preventing forced conversions.

On September 23, about 50 members of the Hindu nationalist Bajrang Dal surrounded the Hindustan Bible Institute (HBI) in Jaipur’s Pratap Nagar area. Police detained two visiting staff members, who seized their phones, laptops, and institute property despite the Bible college’s long-standing legal registration. Days earlier, Pastor Daniel was assaulted while leading worship in a private home nearby. In both cases, police action against the perpetrators was minimal, fueling accusations of bias.

A coalition of 12 civil society organizations — including the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Jaipur Christian Fellowship, and several interfaith groups — condemned the violence and met with senior police officials to demand arrests of Bajrang Dal members. “Such communal incidents and attacks on minorities need to stop now,” the coalition declared.

Christian leaders warn that the new law has already chilled worship and ministry across Rajasthan. 

The Rev. Rajnish Jacob of the Assemblies of God said over 40 of their churches have closed, with pastors facing police pursuit even before the law officially takes effect. Critics argue the bill criminalizes religious freedom, imposes severe prison terms of up to life imprisonment, and exempts reconversion to Hinduism, creating a two-tiered system that violates India’s constitutional guarantee of equality.

Civil rights advocates note that Rajasthan now joins 11 other Indian states with similar laws. They fear a nationwide pattern is emerging under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which promotes Hindu nationalism. With Christians making up just 0.14 percent of Rajasthan’s 68 million people, community members say they feel increasingly exposed and defenseless.

“Even Christian charity is being viewed as a conversion attempt,” said A.C. Michael of the United Christian Forum. “This bill represents a shift from protecting religious freedom to criminalizing it.”

More...