Here’s what’s upcoming and what you may have missed at CMEP and in the news.
Middle East News
1. House votes to end war in Iran, dealing Trump another loss
Politico
"Congress delivered President Donald Trump a mixed message Thursday on his handling of the war in Iran, just as hostilities flare in the Middle East.
The two chambers split on whether to halt the war in a pair of hotly contested ballots. House Democrats — aided by a handful of Republicans — succeeded for a second time in rebuking Trump over the military campaign. But the Senate GOP rejected a similar effort just hours later, as Democrats couldn’t muster the needed support to advance another anti-war measure."
2. Famine has ended in Gaza. But the gains are fragile and it could be getting worse
AP News
"The world’s leading authority on food insecurity said Thursday that the situation in Gaza had improved since famine was declared in parts of the Palestinian territory last year, but warned that conditions are still at crisis levels."
3. Israel is building a miles-long earthen barrier inside Gaza, entrenching its division
AP News
"The Israeli military is quietly but quickly building a giant earthen barrier separating the over 50% of the Gaza Strip it controls from the rest of the territory, according to satellite imagery, further entrenching the division of the tiny Palestinian enclave."
4. Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new overall leader
The BBC
"The Palestinian armed group Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, according to a statement. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in October 2024.Hayya, who already headed the movement in Gaza from exile, was widely seen as representing the more hardline faction that emerged from the devastating war with Israel that began almost three years ago. He was a close associate of Sinwar and is seen as continuing the political line going back to the late Ismail Haniyeh."
5. Two Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces as West Bank fields set ablaze
Al Jazeera
"Israeli forces have shot dead two Palestinian men in the occupied West Bank, after they attempted to extinguish fires on Palestinian farmland started by Israeli settlers, according to local reports. Palestinian officials told Wafa, the Palestinian news agency, that Israeli forces in the area opened fire and injured four Palestinians in the nearby town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus. It was not clear if settlers or soldiers opened fire on the Palestinians."
6. Meeting Trump in DC, Aoun says Lebanon will end hostility with Israel ‘forever’
Times of Israel
"Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, where he declared that his country will permanently end hostilities with Israel and asked for backing in his efforts to disarm Hezbollah. At the meeting, Trump said he would be open to speaking directly with the Iran-backed terror group if Beirut asked."
7. Lebanon’s military starts ‘pilot zone’ takeover in south
Al Jazeera
"The Lebanese army on Tuesday deployed troops to the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, one of three “pilot zone” villages whose security it is taking over as part of a deal with Israel overseen by the United States. Froun and Srifa are the other two villages covered by the initial phase of this initiative, according to the US State Department."
8. Trump says Saudi Arabia's nuclear deal hinges on the kingdom normalizing Israel ties
NPR
"President Trump said on Thursday that a new nuclear energy deal with Saudi Arabia will require the Arab kingdom to normalize relations with Israel. That marked a turn, a day after the administration announced the signing of the agreement without mentioning that precondition."
As the IDF moves further into Gaza, it is forcing the entirety of Gaza’s remaining population into just 30% of the strip’s area, where the medical situation grows increasingly untenable. It is in this environment of shortage and restriction that the East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN) operates and makes its vital impact. They are the only hope for Gazans, and even West Bankers, in need of sustained, complex treatment for their survival. To secure funding and ensure EJHN can continue to serve the vulnerable of the West Bank and Gaza, urge your Member of Congress to pressure the State Department to allocate the EJHN funds.
July 15, 2026: P4P: "Life Stitched Back Together": The Church and Refugees in Jordan
In this P4P, Jack Leary reflects on the work of Father Mario Cornioli and the Habibi Association in Jordan, where Iraqi refugees displaced by war have found dignity, purpose, and hope through vocational training and meaningful employment. Highlighting initiatives that provide refugees with opportunities to rebuild their lives, Leary looks into how acts of compassion and faithful service can restore what conflict has torn apart. His reflection reminds us that Christians are called not only to pray for those forced to flee from their homes, but also to respond with practical love that helps create a future characterized by hope, dignity, and peace.
Blogging for Peace: Follow Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director of CMEP, on Substack
Stay up to date with reflections from CMEP Executive Director Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon. Her Substack features updates on developments in Gaza and across the Middle East, commentary on U.S. policy, CMEP webinars and events, meeting transcripts, and reflections on faith, justice, and peace.
October 22, 2026: Peacebuilding Lessons from the Middle East
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET
This moment in history is marked by profound brokenness and trauma affecting individuals, communities, and nations alike. In a world increasingly divided by conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Christians from the region offer invaluable insights on resiliently living out one’s faith amidst adversity. Join Churches for Middle East Peace executive director, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, for this course exploring the vibrant, living church in the Holy Land, with a focus on Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories as they strive to deepen their relationship with God through their commitment to peace and justice within their communities. This workshop takes an interdisciplinary approach, interweaving history, practical theology, and contemporary ministry practices in peacebuilding. Participants will gain access to essential tools for spiritual formation and advocacy applicable in a variety of ministry settings. A central theme will be the transformative journey of learning to 'love one’s enemy,' even in the face of conflict and strife, ultimately equipping learners to apply these lessons in their own lives and ministries.
On July 15th, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) hosted a timely conversation with DC-based experts Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff (ELCA) & Josh Paul (A New Policy) which explored the current landscape on Capitol Hill related to legislation impacting Palestine, Israel, and the broader region. In particular, panelists addressed issues like the East Jerusalem Hospital Network, the Massie Amendment (which was voted on hours after the webinar), and how constituents can use August recess as an opportunity for advocacy in their home-districts. The recording can be found here.
