Prayer Hub

Gaza: is Netanyahu contemplating a full occupation?

07 Aug 2025

After nearly two years of war in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to escalate the conflict further by ordering a full military occupation of the territory, despite international outrage, domestic opposition, and dissent within Israel's own military. Critics allege that his push is politically motivated, aimed at preserving his fragile coalition and delaying his corruption trial. Analysts question whether the Israeli army, already strained and suffering from troop shortages and internal resistance, can sustain such an operation. Over 600 ex-military officials have urged Donald Trump to intervene diplomatically, stating that in their professional opinion, Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat. Despite widespread destruction, the goal of rescuing all the Israeli captives has not been achieved. Public support continues to decline, and many accuse Netanyahu of prioritising political survival over peace or national security. Further escalation could deepen the humanitarian catastrophe and international isolation.

Africa: over 22,000 killed by Islamist militants in a year

07 Aug 2025

A new report has revealed that over 22,000 people, most of them Christians, have been killed by Islamist militants across Africa in the year to June 2025. This marks a 60% increase in violence since 2023. The Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) network, now controlling more than half of Burkina Faso, was responsible for over 80% of fatalities in the Sahel region. In Somalia, al-Shabaab killed more than 6,000 people, while the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS) is emerging as a global IS hub. The Allied Democratic Forces, linked to IS, claimed a deadly church attack in eastern Congo, killing 43 during a night service. Media restrictions and loss of state control across 950,000 square kilometres are masking the true scale of violence. The report warns of growing danger to Christian communities throughout Africa.

India: relationships with the USA take a downward turn

07 Aug 2025

US-India relations entered a turbulent phase when Donald Trump tore into India for its continued oil imports from Russia and slow progress on trade negotiations. Formerly close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump, accusing India of funding Russia’s war in Ukraine, has vowed to raise tariffs on Indian exports to 50%. India regards its Russian energy imports as economically necessary; it has a longstanding relationship with Russia and is among the largest importers of Russian oil. Modi’s government has so far resisted Trump’s pressure, particularly over opening up US access to the heavily protected agriculture and dairy sectors. In response to Trump’s belligerent language, Modi has called on citizens to buy only Indian-made goods, leading to greater economic self-reliance. Political commentators note that it will be very difficult for Modi to give any large concessions in a trade deal, given the growing anger within India towards Trump.

Brazil: former president Bolsonaro put under house arrest

07 Aug 2025

Brazil’s supreme court has placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest as he stands trial for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election won by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing violations of restrictions on Bolsonaro’s social media activity and political messaging, has ordered the measure. Bolsonaro, accused of leading an armed criminal group and attempting to abolish democratic rule, faces up to twelve years in prison if convicted. The prosecution links him to the January 2023 storming of Brazil’s congress and other institutions by his supporters. Bolsonaro denies all charges, calling the case a political witch hunt. The ruling has sparked political tensions, with Donald Trump’s administration imposing tariffs on Brazil and sanctions on Moraes, which Lula has called ‘unacceptable’. Bolsonaro’s movements are now restricted, and his communications have been seized; only close family and lawyers are allowed to visit. There have been widespread rallies to protest this decision: see