7,000 people have been killed in Yemen's war, and three million have fled. 14 million are hungry, with half of those on the brink of famine. Yemenis are at risk of catastrophic hunger. Food stocks are due to run out in April under punishing import restrictions. Food imports are half the amount needed to feed the war-torn country's population. ‘Yemen is being slowly starved to death,’ said Oxfam GB. First there were restrictions on imports of much-needed food, then the cranes and warehouses in the ports were bombed, then the roads and bridges. This bombing strategy is systematic. Yemen's economy, institutions, and the ability of parties involved in the war to feed people are ‘all on the brink of collapse’. Oxfam said, ‘As one of the principal backers of this brutal war, Britain needs to end its arms sales and military support to the Saudis and help put Yemen on the road to peace.’ See

A missionary writes, ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Ps 20:7) Visas: please pray about the ban on Christian workers getting visas (particularly Americans). This is a real problem. Health: pray for the many workers currently experiencing serious health problems. Christian TV banned: this law is also being brought against other minority groups. Several Christians have continued producing and broadcasting materials and have been arrested for it. Blocking satellite transmissions: they are trying to block satellite TV and radio; may they not be able to do this. Backup: there is a board managing 6-7 groups producing TV, radio and correspondence courses. Pray for backup copies to be made for every group. There have been times when police have come in unannounced and destroyed materials. Pray for protection over this material and wisdom in knowing how to proceed.’

Tens of thousands of Rohingya people - 30,000 in eight weeks - are fleeing from the military. ‘The Burmese army have set our houses on fire. Men are shot dead. We are in deep pain.’ The Rohingya are called the most persecuted people group in the world; officially disowned by the government and stateless, even though many have lived there for generations. The UN reported civilians being mown down by helicopter guns. The Kachin people of Burma (predominantly Christian) are also fleeing their homes - nearly 100,000 have fled, many now in makeshift camps in atrocious conditions. Some try to escape by boat, but no surrounding countries will grant asylum. 200+ villages and 66 churches have been destroyed, and landmines make travel dangerous. 5,300+ people have signed a petition calling for an end to this violence and to lift the block on aid to those fleeing. If persecution does not end, thousands will starve to death or be killed by the military.

Closed elections are being held for Hamas’ Shura Council. They will shape the future council and the leadership. Ismail Haniyeh (who left Gaza in September) is expected to be elected head of the political bureau - in effect leader of Hamas. This will be a new era following the departure of previous leader Khaled Meshaal. Historically, the Shura Council comprises religious leaders and imams. Now, well-educated individuals, professionals from Gaza and the West Bank and top Palestinian lecturers from around the world have joined it. A Gaza Hamas activist was asked, ‘What would the younger generation view as an achievement?’ His answer, ‘When past leaders recognise they cannot continue to decide things on their own; others in the movement have opinions.’ The election results at the end of December will reveal if Haniyeh prefers to remain in Qatar or live among his people and the youths who view his election as a harbinger of change.