Here’s what’s upcoming and what you may have missed at CMEP and in the news.
Middle East News
1. Strikes in Gaza kill 4, including 2 children, a week after U.S. asked Israel to curb attacks
NBC
"Palestinian residents of war-battered Gaza fled homes and businesses as Israeli strikes and tank fire killed at least four people Monday, including two children, hospital officials said, a week after a U.S. delegation asked Israel to draw down attacks. After evacuation warnings by Israel’s military, a strike hit a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. One family was unable to flee and a 4-year-old child was killed, according to Awda Hospital, where he was taken. His mother and sister were wounded. There was no Israeli military comment. Israeli strikes hit three other buildings across the territory after residents said they received evacuation warnings. Some people sprinted away, with mothers carrying children, while others moved amid the rubble in wheelchairs or with canes."
2. Mike Huckabee Reckons With the Disturbing Reality of Settler Violence
Foreign Policy
"U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is a longtime supporter of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and has controversially suggested that Israel has a biblical right to the territory and much of the Middle East. But Huckabee has been forced to confront the disturbing violence surrounding the expansion of settlements in the Palestinian territory, an issue that’s been a growing problem in recent years but has reached record levels in 2026, according to the United Nations."
3. Iran official says support for new sanctions would be an ‘act of war,’ and other Middle East news
Associated Press
"The new head of Iran’s top security body warned Sunday that Tehran will see any country’s support for new U.S. economic measures against the Islamic Republic as an “act of war,” while Iran’s president defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best way out of the stalled conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday is expected to announce the new measures after the U.S. vowed to impose an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare and isolation on a country that has lived for decades under sanctions. Also Monday, Pakistan’s army chief is expected to visit Iran as mediators try to revive talks. Meanwhile, attacks calmed on the Strait of Hormuz but posturing did not, as a recently created Iranian authority listed dozens of vessels it said will face restrictions on future transits."
4. Board of Peace envoy knocks Israel’s ‘unacceptable’ Gaza policy as disarmament plan stalls
Times of Israel
"The Board of Peace’s Gaza envoy briefed the UN Security Council on the status of the US-run body’s efforts to rebuild Gaza on Wednesday, touting Hamas’s acceptance of a disarmament plan while effectively acknowledging that progress has since stalled amid Israel’s rejection of the proposal. Nickolay Mladenov took particular issue with Israeli restrictions on shelter supplies for Palestinians living in squalid conditions in the Strip, while also calling out Jerusalem’s policy of continued strikes in Gaza, arguing that they have not led, and will not lead, to Hamas’s disarmament."
5. Trump sends Saudi nuclear deal to Congress but says Riyadh must recognize Israel
Jerusalem Post
"US President Donald Trump has sent Congress a proposed agreement with Saudi Arabia on civil nuclear energy while insisting the pact will only be approved if the kingdom normalizes relations with Israel, a US administration official told Reuters on Tuesday. The agreement, which was reached in July and would allow US companies to export civilian nuclear technology to the kingdom, was sent to Congress on Monday, according to the US official, who declined to be identified. The Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment."
6. Israeli army and settlers injure several Palestinians across West Bank
Al Jazeera
"Israeli military raids and attacks by Israelis from illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank have injured at least 19 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials and local media reports. Israeli forces shot and injured three Palestinians who attempted to enter occupied East Jerusalem near the separation wall in ar-Ram, the Jerusalem Governorate said on Saturday."
7. Israeli lawmaker smashes Palestinian memorial in Madama, soldiers present
The New York Times
"An Israeli lawmaker entered a Palestinian village escorted by Israeli soldiers and smashed a monument with a sledgehammer on Tuesday, in a provocative act that comes amid rising violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. As the lawmaker, Zvi Sukkot, a member of a far-right political party, struck the limestone monument in the village of Madama, at least two soldiers stood nearby, according to video footage verified by The New York Times. No soldiers are seen in the footage trying to stop him."
8. Democrats to Force Senate Vote on Israel’s Human Rights Practices
The New York Times
"Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, on Thursday plans to introduce a resolution that would order the Trump administration to provide Congress with a detailed accounting of Israel’s human rights practices in the West Bank, laying the groundwork to force a vote on the matter in coming weeks. The measure, the latest bid by Democrats in Congress to challenge the policies and actions of Israel’s government, invokes a provision of the Foreign Assistance Act that allows lawmakers to request information from the State Department about the human rights record of any country receiving U.S. security assistance."
August 26, 2026: President of the Evangelical Church in Egypt and CEOSS Welcomes CMEP Delegation in Cairo, Egypt
The Churches for Middle East Peace delegation, headed by Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon and Christopher Huth, Middle East Partnerships Manager, was received by Rev. Dr. André Zaki, President of the Evangelical Church in Egypt. The meeting was attended by Mr. Momtaz Beshay, Vice President of CEOSS; Ms. Samira Luka, Head of the Dialogue Sector at CEOSS; and Mr. Youssef Edward, Media Director at CEOSS.
Egypt Today: Foreign Minister receives delegation from churches for Middle East peace
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, received a delegation from the US-based organization Churches for Middle East Peace on Wednesday. The delegation was led by Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, the organization’s executive director. The meeting highlights Egypt’s commitment to fostering dialogue with international religious and civil society institutions while supporting regional peace and peaceful coexistence.
Public Statement: CMEP Elevates the “Jerusalem Voice for Justice” Appeal For Gaza, the West Bank, and the Christian presence in their land
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) elevates and stands in solidarity with the appeal issued today by A Jerusalem Voice for Justice, “For Gaza, the West Bank, and the Christian presence in their land.” We join this ecumenical Christian witness in refusing to allow the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank to become normalized or forgotten. The appeal’s call for the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, an end to violence and displacement, and equality and dignity for all reflects our conviction that a just and lasting peace must include the rights and voices of Palestinians, including the historic Christian community whose presence is an integral part of the land’s past, present, and future.
August 24: The Future of Protestant Spiritual Formation: Revival and Dependence on the Holy Spirit
As part of The Protestant Spiritual Formation Movement, a supplemental issue of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, CMEP Executive Director Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon contributed an article entitled "The Future of Protestant Spiritual Formation: Revival and Dependence on the Holy Spirit." In this piece, Cannon explores the evolving landscape of Protestant spiritual formation and the need for renewed dependence on the Holy Spirit. She considers how revival, spiritual dependence, and attentiveness to the Spirit’s work can shape a more faithful and transformative vision for Christian formation.
Action Alert: Funding for the East Jerusalem Hospital Network in the 2027 Fiscal Year
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: 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. We are 100 signatures away from our next benchmark goal! 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.
September 8, 2026: Preserving Christian Presence in the Birthplace of Jesus
Christian communities have called the Holy Land home for nearly two millennia, yet today Palestinian Christians face growing pressures that threaten their land, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and continued presence. Join Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and Rebuilding Alliance on September 8th, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EST, for a conversation, featuring Alice Kisiya, Palestinian Christian journalist, activist, and founder of the Save Al-Makhrour Initiative, and Mother Agapia, an Orthodox nun and teacher whose years of ministry in Bethany connected her deeply to the experiences of Palestinian communities, on what it means to preserve a vibrant Christian presence in the birthplace of Jesus and how communities in the Holy Land are working to protect their future.
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!
August 23, 2026: Destiny Magnett at Westminster Presbyterian (Wilmington, DE)
On August 23, 2026, CMEP outreach manager, Destiny Magnett, joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE for a full slate of events on the call to pursue peace with justice in the Middle East and beyond. Her sermon, titled "Fan into Flame: Courage Witness in Trying Times" explored 2 Timothy 1:3-14 as a call to today's church to live courageously not only as reflections of ourselves, but as examples of what it means to be followers of Christ and bearers of the Gospel. Then, after worship, she shared updates from the ground including rising settler violence, ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and direct action steps Christians can take in the U.S. context to confront these injustices.
