Biblical news today

Here are some biblical news stories and updates from around the world:

Israel and the Middle East

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to annex parts of the West Bank, a move that has been met with widespread international condemnation. (Source: BBC News)
• The United States has announced that it will no longer consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal, a move that has been criticized by the Palestinian Authority and other countries. (Source: The New York Times)
• Tensions remain high between Israel and Gaza, with rockets being fired into Israel and Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza. (Source: Al Jazeera)

Christian Persecution

• A Christian pastor in Iran has been sentenced to five years in prison for "propaganda against the regime" and "acting against national security". (Source: Christian Today)
• A group of Christian students in Pakistan have been arrested and charged with blasphemy for allegedly desecrating the Quran. (Source: The Guardian)
• The Nigerian government has announced plans to establish a special task force to combat Christian persecution in the country. (Source: Morning Star News)

Church News

• The Pope has announced plans to canonize two new saints, including a 19th-century Italian priest who was known for his work with the poor. (Source: Catholic News Agency)
• The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for greater unity among Christians, saying that the Church of England must work together with other denominations to address the challenges facing the world. (Source: The Telegraph)
• A group of evangelical leaders has launched a new initiative to promote unity and cooperation among Christians in the United States. (Source: Christianity Today)

Biblical Archaeology

• Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown ancient city in Jordan, which they believe may have been an important center of trade and commerce in the ancient world. (Source: The Times of Israel)
• A team of archaeologists has uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman temple in Israel, which they believe may have been built to honor the Roman god Jupiter. (Source: Haaretz)
• Researchers have made a new discovery about the ancient city of Petra, which they believe may have been an important center of Christianity in the early centuries of the faith. (Source: The Smithsonian)

I hope these updates are helpful!