Here’s what’s upcoming and what you may have missed at CMEP and in the news.
Middle East News
1. Trump's Iran dilemma: He's stuck in war with no exit in sight
Reuters
"With President Donald Trump’s war against Iran now in its sixth month, this week's flurry of threats and diplomacy has underscored the ever-tighter bind he finds himself in as he tries to extricate the U.S. from an unpopular conflict he originally claimed would last just weeks. Trump is caught between an emerging interim deal being negotiated by Iran and Oman that would give Tehran control over the Strait of Hormuz it never possessed before the war, or following through on his warnings of sharp escalation, risking a more prolonged crisis."
2. US depleted 'virtually all' long-range precision missiles during Iran war: Report
Middle East Eye
"The US has exhausted its stockpile of sophisticated long-range missiles during the war on Iran, suggesting that there are supply limits to President Donald Trump’s threat to subject the Islamic Republic to the 'biggest attack' since World War II. The US has drained its supply of surface-to-surface weapons, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two sources who said the US had used 'virtually all' of these munitions. These long-range missiles are a critical part of the US’s arsenal, allowing it to accurately target foes from a distance without relying on warplanes that are vulnerable to air defense systems. Reuters reported that US Central Command - which oversees military operations in the Middle East - has had to replenish its stock of surface-to-surface missiles from other theaters of operation."
3. Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace issues first building contract – for a military base
The Guardian
"Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which was set up in January to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, has finally issued its first construction contract in the devastated territory: a project to build a rudimentary 150-person military outpost to house Moroccan troops, a source familiar with the matter told the Guardian. The contract, which has not yet been finalized, was awarded to Arkel International, a Louisiana-based firm that has previously carried out work with the US government in countries such as Iraq. The Board of Peace is chaired by the US president and led by a team that includes his son-in-law Jared Kushner and friend Steve Witkoff. In an email, a Board of Peace official said the board and a group of Palestinian technocrats installed to oversee Gaza 'are in the final stages of preparing several contract awards. None have been finalized.' The Palestinian group is known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza."
4. Netanyahu says Israel ‘didn’t agree’ to Board of Peace’s terms for disarming Hamas
Times of Israel
"In his first public comments on the matter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel has not agreed to the Board of Peace’s Hamas disarmament plan, which was accepted by the terror group last week. Reiterating comments from recent days attributed to 'senior Israeli officials,' Netanyahu said in a video posted to Facebook that Israel will not withdraw 'from our current lines' in Gaza 'until Hamas is completely disarmed.' This would appear to go against the disarmament plan, which requires Israel to pull back to the original Yellow Line in Gaza. Israel withdrew to that line as part of the October 2025 ceasefire-hostage release deal with Hamas, but has since expanded its control of the Strip from 53 percent to over 60%."
5. Israel approves $37m to seize more than 70 occupied West Bank sites
Al Jazeera
"Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich has announced a 113 million shekel ($37m) allocation to take control of more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank. The funding, approved by a government steering committee on Tuesday, builds on a 250 million shekel ($83m) plan approved in May aimed at claiming archaeological sites across the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and elsewhere. The committee said in a statement that the Settlements Ministry is set to receive 157 million shekels ($52m) in direct funding, along with a further 142 million shekels ($47m) in commitment authorisations. The new allocation lands on the same day that the Knesset’s Finance Committee separately approved close to 300 million shekels (about $99m) in direct funding and commitments to Israel’s Settlements Ministry."
6. 2 soldiers killed in Lebanon in the first Israeli deaths since June truce with Hezbollah
AP News
"Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, Israel’s military said Thursday, the first Israeli deaths since a shaky truce between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah began nearly two months ago. Four other soldiers were seriously wounded, the military said. An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with the army’s policy, said that 'an explosion was detonated' when the soldiers entered a site in the village of Majdal Zoun and that the nature of the explosive was under review."
7. Houthi attacks on Yemeni government forces kill at least 30
Al Jazeera
"Yemen’s Houthi group has killed at least 30 government soldiers and injured 15 others in missile attacks on Yemeni military camps in the governorates of Hadramout and Marib, government sources told Al Jazeera. Thursday’s strikes on military sites, including some run by Yemen’s Emergency Forces, are the deadliest in years in the country’s civil war. They follow an increase in violence in Yemen seen in recent weeks. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the attacks, using missiles and drones, led to 'hundreds' of casualties. The Yemeni military confirmed the strikes, framing them as a response to their own attacks on the Houthis."
8. Israel Has Imprisoned a 16-Year-Old Palestinian-American Boy for Two Weeks
Zeteo
"Adam Wajeh Abdelfattah Karakrah, a 16-year-old U.S. citizen residing in the occupied West Bank who had been arrested by Israeli authorities last month, was set to be released from Israeli prison on Monday. The family had paid his bail, and he had even boarded the bus for his release, his lawyer tells Zeteo. And then, at the last minute, Israeli officials tied Karakrah to another case. And imprisoned him again. The decision comes two weeks after Israeli forces detained Karakrah, alleging he threw rocks at Israeli cars and military vehicles. The details of his arrest have not been previously reported."
9. Jerusalem’s most important Muslim religious site facing ‘imminent’ threat of Israeli takeover, says Jordan
The Guardian
"Jordan is convening an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from the Arab and Islamic world over what it says is an 'imminent' threat of an Israeli takeover of the most important Muslim site in Jerusalem, with the potential to 'trigger a religious conflict.' The meeting on Wednesday – and the Jordanian warning – follow an escalating pattern of government-backed incursions by Jewish religious extremists on the compound around al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock, in violation of a status quo treaty overseen by Jordan’s Hashemite monarchy, by which only Muslims can pray at the site."
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.
Action Alert: Tell Congress to Respond to Settler Violence and Protect Palestinian Lives
Since October 7th, 2023, illegal Israeli settlements have grown and spread across the West Bank in complete contravention of international and even Israeli law. These settlements undermine Palestinian access to critical natural resources and land and undermine hope for a just and lasting solution. Furthermore, the Israeli settlers at the forefront of these illegal land grabs assault Palestinians with almost no punishment from the Israeli justice system — and many times are aided by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). To stop this violence, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) calls for immediate U.S pressure on Israel to stop approving settlements and prosecute those that commit crimes against Palestinians.
August 5, 2026: P4P Blog: My Faith Between the Wall and the Cross: How I Live My Christianity as a Palestinian Woman in a World that Claims to Be Christian
"My Faith Between the Wall and the Cross" is a powerful personal reflection by Palestinian Christian writer Shatha Bannoura on living out her faith under occupation. Drawing on her own experiences in Bethlehem, she explores the intersection of faith, identity, suffering, and hope while challenging Christians around the world to stand with those who hunger and thirst for justice. Through the lens of the Gospel, Bannoura offers a moving witness to the resilience of Palestinian Christianity and the enduring promise of resurrection.
August 5, 2026: Sign-On! Christian Petition Supporting Palestinian Human Rights Advocate Mohsen Mahdawi
Join Christians and Christian organizations from across the United States in standing with Mohsen Mahdawi and defending the fundamental freedoms of speech, conscience, and due process. This letter affirms that no one should face detention or deportation because of their peaceful advocacy or political beliefs. By adding your name or organization, you are standing for justice, human dignity, and the biblical call to protect the vulnerable. Sign today and add your voice to this growing Christian witness.
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.
This November, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is excited to once again partner with the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice (BIPJ) as they bring the Church at the Crossroads conference to Atlanta November 5-7, 2026. Rooted in Scripture and kingdom-focussed theology, this conference invites participants to wrestle honestly with biblical questions, hear directly from the indigenous Church in the Holy Land, and discover faithful discipleship in a violent world.
Christian Advocacy Summit for Just Peace in Palestine
Join Christians from across the United States in Washington, D.C. April 19-21, 2027 for the Christian Advocacy Summit as we gather to uphold the cause of the oppressed (Psalm 146:7–9) and advocate for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Over three days, participants will engage in inspiring plenary sessions, practical breakout workshops, worship, fellowship, and advocacy training focused on advancing U.S. foreign policy that promotes peace, justice, human rights, and equal dignity for all people in the Holy Land. Together, we will strengthen our shared Christian witness and prepare to engage policymakers with a unified call for a just and lasting peace. Discounted early-bird registration is available until October 15, 2026 or until we've sold our first 50 tickets–– so act fast!
