Hamas Accepts Trump-Brokered Peace Deal; Release of Hostages Monday

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Image: Unsplash-Joshua Woroniecki
Chris Mitchell (Oct 9, 2025)

“…So great for Israel. So great for Muslims, for the Arab countries and so great for this country, the United States of America, that we can be involved in making a deal like this happen. You know, for years they talked about peace in the Middle East. You know, this is more than Gaza; this is peace in the Middle East.” -President Donald Trump

(Jerusalem, Israel) — [CBN News] After two years of war, Israel and Hamas agreed to end the fighting in Gaza and free the hostages. The historic agreement sets the stage for a post-war Gaza and Middle East. Now, the hostage families wait for their loved ones after more than 700 days in captivity. (Screengrab image: via CBN News)

Hostage family members celebrated with President Trump over the phone on Wednesday. The president told Fox News’ Sean Hannity about the first phase of the deal.

“So great for Israel,” he declared. “So great for Muslims, for the Arab countries and so great for this country, the United States of America, that we can be involved in making a deal like this happen. You know, for years they talked about peace in the Middle East. You know, this is more than Gaza; this is peace in the Middle East.”

The president talked about what is coming, as he explained, “You’ll see Gaza being rebuilt. We’re forming a council, a council of peace, we think it’s going to be called and it’s going to be very powerful. And I think to a large extent, it’s going to have to do with the whole Gaza situation and people are going to be taken care of. It’s going to be a different world. I think the Middle East came together. Amazingly, they came together.” (Screengrab image: via CBN News)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement, saying in part, “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel. From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved.

Netanyahu continued, “Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point.”

On Thursday, the government will vote on the deal, and the IDF will redeploy, based on the withdrawal conditions..

Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday, and the hostages are expected to be released on Monday, an event Israelis and others have hoped and prayed for the past 24 long months… Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

FWD

 

Sarah Holliday (Oct 9, 2025)

With profound implications for counselors, clergy, and families nationwide, the stakes are high.

[WashingtonStand.com] On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a pivotal case examining whether Colorado’s 2020 ban on so-called “conversion therapy” infringes on First Amendment rights. (Image: iStock-Phynart Studio)

The practice—designed to provide minors grappling with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria access to guidance and counseling— was outlawed under Colorado’s Prohibit Conversion Therapy for a Minor law. This legislation declares that any effort to “change an individual’s sexual orientation, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex” is inherently harmful and ineffective. Violators, including licensed therapists, risk losing their professional credentials and facing penalties of up to $5,000 in fines.

With profound implications for counselors, clergy, and families nationwide, the stakes are high. Here’s a closer look at the key dimensions of this landmark clash.

The Case in Court

Central to this constitutional showdown is Chiles v. Salazar, a 2022 lawsuit filed by Kaley Chiles, a licensed Colorado therapist and faith-based counselor. Chiles argued that the ban unconstitutionally suppresses her First Amendment rights by outlawing talk therapy sessions that delve into clients’ unwanted same-sex attractions or gender dysphoria through methods like counseling, prayer, or behavioral strategies.

As Family Research Council emphasized, “Colorado has labeled her counsel ‘conversion therapy,’ denied religious exemptions, and is now trying to silence her. If they succeed, it sets a precedent that threatens every pastor, counselor, youth leader, and Christian parent in America.” Yet, FRC also pointed out the potential upside of a favorable ruling: “A ruling for Kaley Chiles would be a major step toward protecting free speech, defending religious freedom, and giving hurting people the opportunity to find freedom in Christ.”

The legal journey has been turbulent. A federal district court initially enjoined the ban on First Amendment grounds, viewing it as an overreach into protected speech. But the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed course, classifying the prohibited practices as “professional conduct” subject to state regulation rather than free speech.

Now, the Supreme Court’s nine justices will weigh in. In anticipation, FRC issued an urgent call to action: “Join us in praying for truth and discernment while the Supreme Court hears oral arguments and deliberates on the case.”

The Reality on the Ground

Beyond the courtroom, the case underscores a chilling atmosphere for open dialogue on sensitive topics. Supporters of Chiles had organized a rally outside the Supreme Court to amplify their message of free speech and faith. But in a stark illustration of escalating tensions, the event was canceled over credible safety threats.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is spearheading Chiles’ defense, had to make the difficult call. “We were told by our security team that it’s not safe, given the current political climate, for us to even be outside speaking about this issue,” ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson shared with The Daily Caller. “Instead of having free debate in our country, we’re seeing people resorting to violence and to threats. And that’s particularly sad [and] disturbing when we’re talking about a case that’s all about free speech and allowing people to debate the things that are most difficult and most controversial in our country, so that we can come to good solutions that will help and save kids.”

ADF CEO Kristen Waggoner echoed these concerns, framing the cancellation as a symptom of broader societal fractures. “Sadly, the usual supporting rally outside the Supreme Court will not take place. Experienced security professionals warned that the threats of violence at an outdoor event were too great.” She continued, “Our allies sponsoring the rally couldn’t simply ignore those threats. We’ve all witnessed the wave of violent attacks in recent weeks— many of which are politically motivated, with apparent ties to radical gender ideology. And that ideology is at the center of this case.”

Waggoner drew a sharp line between legitimate protest and intimidation: “It’s no coincidence that some who blur the line between speech and violence also feel justified using violence to stop speech.” She vowed resilience, adding, “And make no mistake: we won’t allow violent activists to have a permanent veto over public rallies either.” Waggoner asserted that it’s “imperative that Americans—both our policymakers and our people—redraw a bright line between the two. Violence is violence. Speech is speech. And speech should be free.”

Charting the Path Forward

Escalating threats may thwart outdoor assemblies, but they don’t appear to be dampening the resolve of faith communities turning to prayer amid the uncertainty.

The evening before arguments, the Judicial Action Group Foundation organized a gathering of Christians in Washington, DC, to intercede for the 2025-2026 Supreme Court term—including Chiles v. Salazar. Faith leaders, among them Family Research Council’s National Prayer Director Jay Johnston, prayed for wisdom and clarity for the justices navigating these weighty matters.

In addition to this, ADF Senior Counsel and Vice President of Litigation Strategy Jonathan Scruggs emphasized that progress requires dialogue. During an interview on Tuesday’s “Washington Watch” with host and FRC President Tony Perkins, Scruggs framed the stakes plainly. “This is totally [about] conversations. … [K]ids and families who are struggling with this issue … where do they go? What help do they need? They want to engage in conversation.”

Perkins chimed in, reflecting on the multifaceted origins of gender struggles. “Sometimes,” he observed, “it goes back to trauma that they might have experienced. But it’s tracing back to the roots.” He lamented the current landscape, adding, “Right now in Colorado … the only option you have is surgery or drugs.” Scruggs concurred, warning, “They’re pushing [these young kids] to the surgery and drugs, and that harms them. Why are we banning counselors from helping kids with helpful conversations, non-invasive counseling?”

As Perkins stated, “That’s the world in which we live. And this is consistent … with what we see … in the cancel culture that we’ve been experiencing for the last decade, is that their positions are so indefensible that they don’t want to have conversations about it. They just want to lock people into harmful, really destructive decisions.” Scruggs pinpointed that this is “the problem with gender ideology, right? It denies the truth. When you deny the truth, who gets hurt? Kids and women. And that’s what’s happening in states like Colorado.”

Reflecting on the day’s arguments, Perkins asked for insights from the courtroom. Scruggs expressed measured optimism. “I’m pretty hopeful,” he said, noting “just from the conversations that we’re having at the court today, that … almost every justice seemed pretty skeptical. So, I’m hopeful that we get a strong victory.”

Sarah Holliday is a reporter at The Washington Stand.

FWD
Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell (Oct 9, 2025)

BCN Editor’s note: The roundtable discussion on antifa, Wednesday, was fascinating to watch, as each independent journalist echoed their relief at finally being heard and taken seriously by authorities—especially the President. They each recounted their lengthy and frightening experiences with the now-designated-terror group, most involving personal assaults at the hands of antifa radicals. Many of the journalists implored the mainstream media looking on to do their jobs and report honestly; “tell the truth.” Hopefully this will prove to be the catalyst that is needed to bring antifa’s destructive influence and violence to an end. Watch the roundtable discussion by Clicking Here. -Aimee Herd, Breaking Christian News

[DailySignal.com] President Donald Trump is considering taking his fight against Antifa to the next level. (Screengrab image: via YouTube-The White House)

The president held a roundtable discussion on Wednesday highlighting the stories of conservative influencers who have been assaulted by Antifa rioters across the country. He has already named Antifa a domestic terrorist organization.

He told reporters after the roundtable he would like to designate it a foreign terrorist organization as well.

Trump asked the influencers whether they would like to see Antifa designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

“Would you like to see it done?” he asked.

“Yes, Mr. President. They have foreign links all across Western Europe, Middle East,” said conservative influencer Jack Posobiec.

“If you agree, I agree,” he said. “Let’s get it done.”

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller agreed that Antifa has “extensive foreign ties.”

“That’s a very valid step to take,” he said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Americans have for years seen Antifa “beat journalists,” “attack courthouses,” “attack police stations,” and “dox and assault our law enforcement officers.”

“Antifa feels empowered to operate in the open, because weak Democrats have turned a blind eye to their actions,” she said. “Their hatred for President Trump and for the law and order agenda fuels their violence.” (Screengrab image: via YouTube-The White House)

But “Americans will no longer tolerate their unhinged violence,” she said.

The panelists accused the mainstream media of being complicit in Antifa’s violence.

“Much of the legacy media has been ignoring it or covering for Antifa,” said Nick Sortor, an influencer who was briefly arrested by Portland, Oregon, police last week while covering an Antifa riot.

“The media [have] been demonizing us for so long,” said Savanah Hernandez, an employee of Turning Point USA.

“Immediately after the brutal assassination of our founder, Charlie Kirk, our Turning Point USA chapters have seen an uptick in violence across the nation as Antifa chapters that are embedded in our universities go and target them,” she said.

She begged the media to tell the truth about Antifa.

“Everybody at this table, we simply see ourselves as American citizens who have an iPhone and the will to actually tell the truth,” Hernandez said. “So, please take your job seriously and tell the truth to the American people.” Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell is the White House Correspondent for “The Daily Signal.”

FWD
Craig Bannister-Blog (Oct 9, 2025)

According to the criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Chicago, Martinez and Ruiz used their vehicles to strike the vehicle containing three CBP agents Saturday morning…

[Newsbusters.org] On Tuesday, a judge released pending trial the two suspects arrested for ramming and boxing in a vehicle driven by a US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agent in Chicago on Saturday, saying they were not a flight risk and could be trusted to appear in court. (Screengrab image: via ABC 7)

US Magistrate Judge Heather McShain was the judge who presided over the detention hearing, Judge McShain said, given that both are US citizens and lifelong residents of Chicago with no criminal history, they can be released on bond, pending trial, WGN Chicago reports.

Marimar Martinez—reportedly armed with a semi-automatic weapon—and Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz were participating in a protest against federal immigration law enforcement in the city when they allegedly rammed the CBP vehicle and attempted to box it in.

According to the criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Chicago, Martinez and Ruiz used their vehicles to strike the vehicle containing three CBP agents Saturday morning near the intersection of West 39th Street and South Kedzie Avenue on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Both suspects fled, but were quickly apprehended, the Justice Department reports. Martinez, who had been shot during the confrontation, was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where she received treatment for her wounds.

The complaint charges Martinez, 30, and Ruiz, 21, both of Chicago, with assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon, as well as impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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Michael Gryboski (Oct 9, 2025)

[ChristianPost.com] A church in Alabama was defaced by vandals days after announcing its decision to host a Turning Point USA event. The Movement Church of Madison was the target of an attack by an individual or group of vandals who spray-painted the words “Bryan Dawson serves the antichrist” and “Beware his falsehoods” on the exterior of the church building sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to authorities. … “Detectives are actively reviewing all available evidence and are encouraging residents and business owners in the area to check their security cameras or doorbell footage for any suspicious activity that may have occurred during the timeframe of the incident,” stated authorities… Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here Click Here to read.

(Screengrab image: via Christian Post /Facebook-Madison County Sheriff’s Office)

 

Jorge Gomez (Oct 9, 2025)

“I’m glad the school agreed to do the right thing. Freedom of speech isn’t just a right, it’s the foundation of our liberty. Christians must stand up, speak out, and defend our right to share what we believe.” -Zion Ramos, student

[FirstLiberty.org] On Thursday, First Liberty secured a victory for high school student Zion Ramos. A teacher at Arkansas Connections Academy muted and removed Zion from an online meeting when he began sharing his faith with other students. (Screengrab image: via First Liberty /Zoom)

We sent a letter to the school demanding that it no longer censor or violate the free speech and religious expression of students, now and in the future.

Every day, students have a “social time” Zoom meeting to talk about whatever they want, provided the comments are not violent, vulgar or obscene. Inspired by the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk, Zion felt compelled to share his faith in a two-minute statement.

Suddenly, the teacher muted him. Once he realized he was muted, Zion unmuted himself to continue sharing his message. However, as he continued to speak, the teacher removed him from the Zoom call. A few minutes later, the meeting was shut down entirely.

In less than 72 hours, the school responded favorably to our letter. School officials agreed to grant Zion three minutes to share his faith at an upcoming social time event, as First Liberty requested.

School officials also confirmed that they will support the free speech and free exercise rights of students and complete religious liberty training through the RESPECT Project within 60 days… Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Continue reading Here.

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Leonardo Blair (Oct 9, 2025)

[ChristianPost.com] In a shift that has become much more noticeable in five of the last six years, men, especially among millennials and Generation X, have been outpacing women in church attendance… Data collected as part of Barna’s ongoing State of the Church initiative with Gloo show that following the COVID-19 lockdowns, men have been outpacing women in church attendance by significant margins. This year, Barna researchers found that 43% of men reported attending church weekly, compared with 36% of women. “Across every generation, women are trailing men in weekly church attendance, especially among Gen X and millennials,” Barna researchers wrote… Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here Click Here to read.

(Image: Unsplash-Thiago Barletta)

Leah MarieAnn Klett (Oct 9, 2025)

[ChristianPost.com] This fall, a wave of new releases offers families something rare in modern entertainment: stories that inspire and uplift without compromising quality. From Biblical dramas like “House of David” to family-films like “GROW” and documentaries investigating faith and miracles, filmmakers are finding fresh ways to explore truth, hope and perseverance on screen. Here are eight standout films and series spanning theaters, streaming and special event releases that bring faith, family and storytelling together in meaningful ways… Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here Click Here to read.

(Screengrab image: via House of David-Prime Video)

 

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