Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath, who recently concluded a diplomatic trip to Europe, has revealed that the French government may be planning to recognize a Palestinian state in September of this year. Despite the breakdown in direct negotiations, the Palestinian Authority have been pressing for international recognition of a Palestinian state in accordance with the timetable set out by the Middle East Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia). Former High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, was one of the first to suggest that a deadline should be set by which an Middle East peace agreement should be reached. And if the parties were unwilling or unable to come to an agreement, one should be imposed on them by an external body such as the United Nations. The plan was subsequently adopted by the US administration and the EuroMed parliamentary assembly, and has became the official policy of the Palestinian Authority. Following the breakdown in negotiations, the Palestinian Authority have been seeking to achieve international recognition of a state without having to make peace with Israel. Many South American countries have now officially recognized 'Palestine', and several European states have also upgraded diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority. Officials in the Palestinian Authority believe that a total of around 150 states may recognize a Palestinian state by September of this year, and are seeking to obtain a UN resolution recognizing 'Palestine', thus forcing Israel out of Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem.  

Quote: ""France postpones its recognition of a Palestinian state because it is exerting efforts to convince the entire European countries to recognize the state," Shaath said. He noted that France is leading an initiative in the European Union (EU) which aims at activating the EU in sponsoring the peace process and adopting an initiative based on recognizing the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Just last month the Obama administration vetoed a UN resolution which would have condemned Israel for its 'occupation' of Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem, and called on the Jewish state to cease settlement construction in the territories. The resolution was supported by 130 countries, of which I am ashamed to say, included the United Kingdom. It may be only a matter of time before the UN is asked once again to vote, this time on full recognition of a Palestinian state. 

Some people may wonder why there has been no peace for over 60 years of Israel's troubled history. Why have the Arab nations never recognized Israel's right to exist? Why won't the Palestinians make peace with the Jews? Why is world attention always focused on tiny Israel, despite dozens of deadlier wars raging across the globe? The Bible predicted that all of this would happen. The Scriptures indicate that this Middle East peace process is set to continue right up to the tribulation period. For according to Daniel's prophecy, it will be the Antichrist, a world leader that will rise to prominence at the time of the end, who will divide the land of Israel for his own gain (Daniel 11:39). The land will be divided half way through the Daniel's seventieth week (Zechariah 14:2), the seven year period prior to the Second Coming of Christ. And the Bible says that during this time, Israel's enemies shall be in siege against Judah and Jerusalem, and the Lord will make the city a "burdensome stone" to every nation that becomes involved in the conflict (Zechariah 12:2-3).

Today the Palestinian terrorist organizations are seeking to establish their own state in Judea and Samaria with east Jerusalem as its capital. Nation after nation is weighing in on the matter. If we are seeing the signs of what is to take place during the tribulation period in today's news, how close must we be to Christ's return? The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. Firstly for all those who have trusted in Him for salvation (John 14:6), and then again in judgement upon this world for its sin (2nd Thessalonians 1:7-8). The question is, is Christ coming for you? Have your sins been forgiven? Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation? Don't wait until it is too late. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Mark 13:28-29
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Source China View, YNet News, Jerusalem Post, China View