The Debrief by Battle Armor Politically Neutral News

On December 24, 2024, a church in Bethlehem was attacked during Christmas rehearsals, with reports indicating that Palestinians threw stones and fired shots at the building. The incident occurred as scouts were preparing for the holiday, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Multiple sources confirmed that the church was targeted with both projectiles and gunfire, raising concerns about the safety of Christians in an area historically significant to their faith. The attacks have been characterized as part of a broader pattern of persecution faced by Palestinian Christians, particularly in Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus. The situation has drawn attention to the precarious position of Christians under the Palestinian Authority, where incidents of violence against them have been reported in the past.

Despite ongoing airstrikes and combat in Gaza, Palestinian Christians gathered for Christmas Mass on December 24 at the Holy Family Church. The church, which has been left in ruins, was not decorated with lights this year. Currently, fewer than 1,000 Christians remain in Gaza, with many taking refuge in the Holy Family Church and St. Porphyrius Church, the last sanctuaries for Christians in the region. Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed 3% of the Christian population in Gaza and destroyed three churches. Palestinian Christians marked the holiday with calls for peace amidst the violence, reflecting on the loss of life, including martyrs who were killed inside the church.

A CNN report indicates that a secret factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone of Tatarstan, Russia, has significantly increased its production of Iranian-designed drones, specifically the Shahed-136. The factory, which produced 2,738 Shahed drones in 2023, has expanded its operations in 2024, utilizing Chinese components and employing a low-skilled workforce primarily composed of Russian teenagers and African women. Additionally, the facility has begun serial production of 'Gerbera' decoy drones, designed to mimic the radar signature of real Shahed drones but made from plywood and foam plastic. This ramp-up in drone production comes amid increasing sanctions and workforce shortages faced by Russia, as it intensifies its air operations in Ukraine.

Israel's military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Sirens sounded across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, at 3:29 a.m. local time, prompting residents to seek shelters. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Ben Gurion Airport with a hypersonic missile named "Palestine-2." As a precaution, flights at Ben Gurion Airport were temporarily halted but later resumed. Israeli emergency services reported that 18 people were injured while rushing to shelters, including two who suffered panic attacks. The missile launch follows Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport. In addition to the missile, the Houthis claimed to have attacked a vital target in Jaffa with a drone and targeted the ship "Santa Ursula" in the Arabian Sea. The IDF has not confirmed these additional claims.

The United States and NATO have expressed concerns over Ukraine's use of ATACMS missiles, suggesting that the country could have been more judicious in selecting targets and managing the quantity of missiles used, according to the New York Times. Ukraine, which was granted permission over a month ago to use these Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russian military targets, has slowed its usage due to dwindling supplies. Out of the 500 ATACMS missiles provided by the US, Ukraine now has approximately 50 remaining, with no further deliveries expected as the US has allocated its limited supplies for deployment in the Middle East and Asia. President-elect Donald J. Trump has publicly criticized the decision to allow U.S.-made long-range missiles to be used inside Russia, calling it a 'big mistake.'

Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:6-7 that wars and conflicts would mark the brokenness of this world. These arise from human sin—greed, pride, and the pursuit of power (James 4:1-2). Yet, Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), praying for leaders, justice, and the safety of those affected (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Our hope lies in God’s promise of a future without war (Isaiah 2:4), trusting Christ, the Prince of Peace, to bring ultimate restoration.

  southern Tel Aviv. The Israel Defense Forces said the long-range ballistic missile, fired from western Yemen, impacted near Tel Aviv after multiple interception attempts by the Arrow and Iron Dome defense systems were unsuccessful. Sirens sounded across central Israel as the missile approached. Israeli ambulance services reported that the number of injured rose to 30, with people sustaining injuries from shrapnel and shattered glass caused by the explosion. Among the injured was a three-year-old girl. The military is investigating the reasons behind the interception failure. The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they used a hypersonic ballistic missile called 'Palestine 2'.

Archaeologists have uncovered a silver amulet in Germany, dating back to the 3rd century, which is now recognized as the oldest evidence of Christianity found north of the Alps. The amulet, discovered in 2018 northwest of Frankfurt, features a unique inscription that could alter historical understanding of early Christian spread in Europe. Previous findings of Christian evidence in France and Switzerland date back to the 2nd century, making this amulet at least 50 years older than any other known artifacts from the northern Alpine regions of the Roman Empire. Markus Scholz, a professor at Goethe University, noted the unusual nature of the inscription, which deviates from the typical Greek or Hebrew used in similar artifacts. This discovery is being hailed as a pivotal moment in the study of early Christianity, particularly in its expansion beyond Italy.

In the wake of the recent political changes in Syria, Christmas celebrations have commenced in several cities. In Damascus, a giant Christmas tree was lit by Christians, marking the first such event since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8. The lighting of the tree was captured in images shared by Reuters, showing citizens gathered around the illuminated tree. Similarly, Christmas trees were lit in Latakia and Homs, with Homs' event featuring Free Syrian flags and music. A Christmas market also opened in Damascus, drawing crowds and symbolizing hope for the country's reconstruction. The new ruling group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), assumed control on December 8 and has promised to protect the rights of religious minorities, though uncertainty remains among the populace. In Damascus, the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma has seen a return to religious activities under the new government.

Mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey have prompted state officials and federal agencies to express concern and call for action. Since mid-November, residents and law enforcement have reported swarms of unidentified drones, some described as 'car-sized', hovering over various parts of the state, including military installations and former President Donald Trump's Bedminster golf club. In one instance, a police officer observed 50 drones coming 'in off the ocean,' and a Coast Guard vessel was reportedly followed by between 12 and 30 objects. New Jersey state Senator Jon Bramnick has called for a 'limited state of emergency' to ban all drones until the source of the sightings can be determined. The FBI has stated that it does not know who is operating the drones but is investigating the matter, acknowledging the drones' evasive capabilities as they 'go dark when spotted.' U.S. military research centers have denied ownership of the drones. Additionally, U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew has alleged that the drones are Iranian in origin, launched from a 'mothership' off the U.S. East Coast, and has urged federal authorities to take decisive action, suggesting the drones should be 'shot down.' Military analysts have voiced concerns over the implications of these unexplained aerial intrusions, doubting that hobbyists are responsible. Meanwhile, Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the sophistication of the drones, noting their ability to evade detection. Lawmakers have expressed frustration over federal inaction, emphasizing the potential national security threat.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that if the Israeli hostages held in Gaza are not released by his inauguration on January 20, 2025, there will be 'hell to pay' in the Middle East. Trump's ultimatum was posted on his Truth Social platform, where he emphasized that those responsible for the hostage situation would face severe consequences. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed gratitude for Trump's 'strong' statement, while families of the hostages have welcomed the pressure Trump is putting on Hamas, describing it as the 'language we were missing.'

Recent reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) have captured public attention, with multiple sightings being documented across various locations. In Hudson Bay, Canada, a local resident initially mistook a large object for a ship, only to discover it was something more extraordinary upon closer inspection. Disturbing cockpit audio has emerged, suggesting pilots may have encountered multiple UFOs, adding to the growing intrigue surrounding these phenomena. Additionally, a video from the Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico shows a mysterious triangular light, prompting speculation about its origins. Experts urge the public to observe the skies, suggesting that increased sightings may correlate with ongoing human issues. Despite some misinterpretations, such as a police incident where a bright object was identified as the star Sirius, the phenomenon of unexplained aerial sightings continues to provoke interest and debate.

Darcie Bell, a San Francisco activist known for advocating to defund the police, has gone viral after publicly seeking police assistance when her rented U-Haul truck, containing all her belongings, was stolen. Bell posted a plea on social media, asking for help locating the 26-foot U-Haul with Arizona plate AL50003. Despite her call for aid, she criticized the police, stating they failed to recover her possessions. The incident has sparked widespread discussion and ridicule online, with a viral social media response, highlighting the challenges of theft and policing in San Francisco.

In a move that has sparked controversy, the Biden administration extended a $10 billion sanctions waiver for Iran just two days after Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The waiver, which allows Iran to access approximately $10 billion in funds from Iraq, was justified by Secretary of State Antony Blinken as serving the 'national security interest of the United States.' Critics, including Republican lawmakers, argue that this decision will funnel money to Iran, potentially supporting terrorism, as Iran backs proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The waiver was tweaked last year to permit Tehran to convert Iraqi dinars to euros and hold those euros in bank accounts. This action has been criticized as rewarding Iran's terrorist regime and undermining American interests.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aiming to address the chronic disease crisis in the U.S. Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford University, has been described as an 'eminently qualified person' by some supporters. His appointment is viewed as a potential shift towards focusing on prevention and reversing chronic diseases. However, this nomination has sparked controversy, with over 75 Nobel laureates expressing concerns about the implications for health research and policy. Critics worry that Bhattacharya's views on vaccines and health could lead to the promotion of debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been considered for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, raising further concerns among pro-life Republicans due to his pro-abortion stance. Kennedy has also been involved in a fundraising deal with Libertarians, which has provided a financial boost to his campaign and Trump's.

Recent discussions highlight the precarious situation of Christians in the Middle East, with several voices asserting that Israel remains the only safe haven for this community. Advocates argue that without a dedicated state, Christians in the region face significant threats. Some commentators emphasize that Israel serves as a beacon of stability amid ongoing regional turmoil, suggesting that the absence of Israel would lead to disastrous consequences for Christians and other minorities. The calls for a separate state for Middle Eastern Christians, including the controversial notion of nuclear capabilities, reflect deep concerns about their safety and future in a volatile environment.

Islamist rebels, reportedly supported by Turkey and Qatar, have entered Aleppo, Syria, and are targeting the city's Christian community. Aleppo, home to Syria's largest Christian population with over 30 churches and 20,000 Christians, is now under jihadist control. Groups such as Jabhat Alnusra, Daech, and Harakat Ansar Alcham have begun removing Christmas trees and destroying Christian symbols, leading to fears of a potential genocide against the Christian population. Many Christians have fled to Kurdish-held neighborhoods for safety. This situation has raised concerns about the erasure of Christianity in the region, with calls for international intervention to protect the Christian community, especially as CIA-backed forces are involved.

In Manchester, UK, a Christian preacher was asked to leave the Arndale Centre by police to accommodate a group of Muslims who arrived to pray. Eyewitness accounts describe the preacher being jeered at by the group, with some reportedly telling him to leave. The incident has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the police of appeasing those who oppose the preacher's message. The event occurred during a time when public displays of religious expression are particularly sensitive, as it coincides with the Christmas season. The situation has raised questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting freedom of speech and religious expression in the UK.

Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that 87% of the 410 terror suspects apprehended at U.S. land border crossings in the past year entered through Canada. This surge in northern border crossings by individuals with potential terrorist ties has raised significant security concerns. The U.S. has also seen an increase in the number of illegal immigrants from countries deemed national security threats, with more than 1.7 million entering the country since fiscal year 2021. Additionally, nearly 180,000 non-citizens, who under current federal law are inadmissible and required to be removed, have been allowed to live freely in the U.S. through ICE's 'Alternatives to Detention' program. This situation has been highlighted by the arrest of a Pakistani student on a Canadian visa who planned to conduct a massacre of Jews in New York, underscoring the need for enhanced border security.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to Lebanon, stating that if the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah collapses, Israel will no longer differentiate between Lebanon and Hezbollah in its military operations. Katz emphasized that there would be 'no tolerance' for the Lebanese state if the truce failed, implying that the entire country could face repercussions. This statement was made from Israel's northern border, highlighting the potential for broader military engagement. The ceasefire is critical in maintaining peace, and its failure could lead to significant consequences for Lebanon, as Israel would hold the Lebanese government accountable for Hezbollah's actions.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has convened a special emergency session of the state legislature to "Trump-proof" California ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's second term. Beginning Monday, lawmakers will consider allocating up to $25 million to the state's justice department, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta. The funds would establish a legal defense fund to challenge Trump's anticipated aggressive policies with lawsuits, aiming to protect California's progressive policies and values in areas such as civil rights, climate change, immigration, and abortion access. Newsom stated, "We know what happened the last time Donald Trump was president. He vandalized our progress." California previously spent $42 million fighting Trump's policies with 122 lawsuits during his first term. Newsom is positioning himself as a leader in resisting federal overreach and intends to safeguard the state from the potential impacts of the incoming administration.