Lebanon is slowly emerging from an austere nationwide lockdown. A 24-hour curfew was lifted today, and some non-essential businesses can reopen. More Lebanon headlines here.
More than 10 million people in five Middle Eastern countries require help to survive another day. UN officials say it is the highest level of need since the Syrian refugee crisis began in 2011.
Lebanon’s prime minister and three former ministers have been charged in connection with the August 4th Beirut explosion. Prosecutors have detained thirty port officials in the case as well.
Discouragement is tangible in Lebanon despite holiday decorations and Christmas cheer. Multiple disasters made 2020 a difficult year for many. More Lebanon headlines here.
Lebanon began its latest lockdown in mid-November following a surge of COVID-19 cases. Officials began a partial reopening this week that will continue through the end of the year. See our full coronavirus coverage here.
Lebanon has been hit by not only the pandemic but also political corruption and the explosion in the capital this year. Horizons International sees this as an opportunity to spread Christ’s hope.
As nations mark World Television Day (21 November), soaring audience engagement shows that Christian television is bringing hope to Middle East viewers grappling with COVID-19, according to a SAT-7 press release.
A lousy year turns even worse for Lebanon. According to Reuters, Western powers just handed Beirut an ultimatum: there will be no bailout unless they form a credible government to overhaul a bankrupt state – and do it quickly.
In a year that has been extremely difficult all around the world, countries in the Near East are particularly struggling. Cry Out Now encourages prayer for Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq as people in these countries search for hope.