Day: March 25, 2024

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, discussed Monday with Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development enhancing bilateral relations and various regional and international issues, notably the Palestinian cause and the war on Gaza.

Safadi and Annen emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination between Jordan and Germany across multiple sectors, particularly in partnership with the European Union, focusing on areas such as environmental conservation, energy, and water resources.

They deliberated on Gaza’s current situation, underlining efforts to safeguard civilians and ensure the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza Strip.

Safadi underscored the imperative for Israel to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law, urging an end to the raging war on Gaza.

He expressed gratitude for Germany’s assistance to Jordan in addressing developmental challenges
and managing the impacts of regional and global crises, notably the refugee influx.

Safadi and Annen highlighted the crucial role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), with Safadi commending Germany’s support for the agency.

Annen praised Jordan’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its broader contributions to regional security and stability.

Annen’s visit to the region includes announcing a pound 15 million increase in UNRWA support for 2024-2026, covering Jordan and Lebanon. He will also participate in agreements’ signing ceremonies between the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the German Development Bank (KfW).

Source: Jordan News Agency

CAPE TOWN: The southern African nation of Malawi has declared a state of disaster over drought in 23 of its 28 districts and the president says it urgently needs more than US$200 million in humanitarian assistance, less than a month after neighboring Zambia also appealed for help.

Malawi is the latest country in the region to have its food supply crippled by a severe dry spell that’s been linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

A third country, Zimbabwe, has also seen much of its crops decimated and is considering following suit and declaring a drought disaster, underlining concerns raised by the U.N. World Food Programme late last year that numerous nations in southern Africa were on the brink of a hunger crisis because of the impact of El Niño.

The WFP said there were already nearly 50 million people in southern and parts of central Africa facing food insecurity even before one of the driest spells in decades hit.

USAID, the U.S. government’s aid agency, said that more than 20 million people in southe
rn Africa would urgently need food aid in early 2024, partly due to the El Niño effect.

Last month was the driest February in 40 years for Zambia and Zimbabwe, according to the WFP’s seasonal monitor, while Malawi, Mozambique and parts of Angola had ‘severe rainfall deficits.’

Millions in southern Africa rely on the food they grow to survive. Corn, the region’s staple food, has been badly affected by the drought.

El Niño is a natural, recurring weather phenomenon involving the warming of the sea surface in parts of the Pacific Ocean. It has impacts on global weather, including causing below-average rainfall in southern Africa. Some scientists say that climate change is making El Niños stronger and their impacts more extreme.

The 2015-2016 El Niño also brought a severe drought for southern Africa, the region’s worst in 35 years, according to the U.N. Office for Humanitarian Affairs.

Humans aren’t the only ones affected, with conservation officials in Zimbabwe reporting the rare occurrence of at least 100
elephants dying in a national park late last year because of waterholes drying up in the drought.

Before the national disaster announcements by Malawi and Zambia, the WFP and USAID had already launched a programme to feed 2.7 million people in rural Zimbabwe facing food shortages – nearly 20 percent of that country’s population.

British charity Oxfam said this month that more than 6 million people in Zambia – 30 percent of its population – are now facing acute food shortages and malnutrition, with the next crop growing season a year away.

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said he had been on a tour of his country to discover the extent of its drought crisis, and a preliminary assessment by the government found about 44 percent of Malawi’s corn crop had failed or been affected, and 2 million households were directly impacted. He said the country of 20 million people needed around 600,000 metric tonnes of food aid and called on the international community for help.

Malawi has been repeatedly hit by weathe
r extremes in recent years, emphasising how some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries are feeling the worst effects of climate change even as they contribute the least to global emissions.

Cyclone Freddy killed hundreds in Malawi last year, one of a succession of strong cyclones that have ripped through various parts of southern Africa in the last five years.

In early 2022, tropical storms and floods contributed to Malawi’s worst outbreak of the water-borne disease, cholera. More than 1,200 people died in the outbreak that lasted for months, according to the World Health Organisation. Zambia is also currently experiencing a major cholera outbreak.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Jordan Armed Forces – Arab army, in collaboration with allied nations, executed Monday 8 airdrops of humanitarian and food aid, targeting various locations in the northern Gaza Strip.

Participating in this mission were aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, two from the United States, one from the Federal Republic of Germany, one from the Republic of Singapore, and a British aircraft, marking its inaugural involvement with the Jordan Armed Forces.

This operation is part of the ongoing international endeavors of the Kingdom to alleviate the profound human suffering resulting from the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

The Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to dispatching humanitarian and medical assistance either via an air bridge from Marka Airport to El Arish International Airport or through airdrops over the Gaza Strip, along with ground aid convoys.

The tally of airdrops conducted by the Jordan Armed Forces has now reached 58, while in collabora
tion with allied nations, it stands at 93 since the outset of the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Family Care Authority (FCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, marking a significant step in expanding FCA’s services into the equestrian field.

This partnership will provide FCA with invaluable support, including horses, venues, training, and expertise in equine-assisted therapy, all provided by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. The collaboration will pave the way for the integration of equine-assisted therapy, utilising horses in animal-assisted therapy, as part of FCA’s mental health and trauma recovery services.

Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director-General of FCA, commented, “This partnership with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is an important addition to FCA’s diverse variety of services. The MoU is not just about the immediate benefits; it marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to bringing innovative, effective therapies to our community.”

Major Gen. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Raci
ng Federation, said, “We are honoured to provide FCA with the necessary resources to bring equine-assisted therapy to those who need it. We believe that the well-being of our community is a collective responsibility, and through this partnership, we hope to contribute positively to the mental health of individuals in need. Our commitment is evident in the provision of horses, facilities, and expertise, all offered free of charge to support FCA’s noble mission.”

Professor Dr. Andreas Liefooghe, a renowned expert in equine-assisted therapy, said, “The introduction of equine-assisted therapy into family care services in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step in promoting mental health and well-being. Horses have a unique ability to connect with individuals on a profound level, fostering emotional growth and self-awareness.

By harnessing this power, FCA is opening doors for individuals seeking effective mental health support refreshingly and innovatively. I am delighted to be part of this initiative and believe it
will positively impact the lives of many.”

As part of the initial activation, a workshop and training days were scheduled with UK-based expert Professor Dr. Andreas Liefooghe, renowned for his expertise in psychology-based training. This collaboration represents the first of many planned initiatives within the partnership, promising an ongoing commitment to improving mental health through equine-assisted therapy.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Gaza: The Gaza Health Ministry said Monday the death toll from Israel’s ongoing war rose to 32,333, most of them children and women, since the start of the aggression on October 7.

The ministry also said the total number of injuries climbed to 74,694, adding that thousands of victims remained buried under the rubble of buildings flattened by air strikes, and bodies were scattered on the roads, where the occupation army barred ambulance crews from reaching them.

It said Israeli forces carried out 11 massacres against families in the past 24 hours, leaving 107 people dead and 176 injured.

Source: Jordan News Agency

NEW DELHI: The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, on the outskirts of Delhi, India, has become a principal hub for enabling information exchange in the Indian Ocean Region.

In a detailed status report by the government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), India said, “Its calibrated response, ingenuity and unflinching resolve” in the context of a recent increase in piracy in the Indian Ocean “has garnered international acclaim by virtue of the effects generated in safeguarding global maritime interests, countering marine threats, thwarting piracy and denting narcotics trade in the region.”

The report added, “The response of the IFC-IOR to various security situations has once again proved that safety of life at sea remains an overarching principle irrespective of the nationality of seafarers.”

Since the resurgence of piracy recently, the PIB claimed that Indian efforts have saved 110 lives – including 45 Indian seafarers. About 1.5 million tons of critical commodities have b
een escorted to safety and more than 3,000 kg. of narcotics have been seized.

The IFC-IOR is a regional maritime security centre that was established in December 2018. It works to enhance maritime safety in the Indian Ocean.

At present, India hosts International Liaison Officers from 12 partner nations under the aegis of the IFC-IOR. It also has 67 international working-level linkages with other multi-national maritime security centres worldwide.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) concluded its Monday trading session, with a decrease of 0.42 percent, settling at 2,473 points.

Trading activity saw the exchange of approximately 2.5 million shares, reaching a total value of around JD3 million through 1,842 transactions.

An analysis of closing figures showed that 33 companies experienced a decline in their share values, while 19 saw an uptick. The prices of shares for 41 other companies remained unchanged.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: The Most Noble Number charity auction for special numbers, held yesterday evening in Dubai, raised a total of AED38.095 million that will go fully to supporting the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to honour mothers by establishing an AED1 billion endowment fund to support the education of millions worldwide.

Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with Emirates Auction and with support from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), etisalat by e and and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), the charity event auctioned 31 special numbers, including 10 RTA special plate numbers, ten du mobile phone numbers and 11 etisalat by e and mobile phone numbers.

Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, which will help implement education projects in underprivileged communities around the world in co
llaboration with humanitarian organisations. This will provide millions of people with the tools and skills necessary to lead an independent life.

The total bids for RTA special plate numbers amounted to AED29.025 million, while bids for etisalat by e and special numbers totalled AED4.135 million, and du special numbers raised AED4.935 million.

Leading businessmen and philanthropists attended the charity auction, held at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, as part of a community-wide response to the campaign which honours mothers and supports underprivileged communities in a sustainable manner through education.

Bids for special plate numbers at the auction were as follows: AED2.5 million for number (O74), AED3 million for number (O51), AED4 million for number (V39), AED3.225 million for number (P42), AED3 million for number (Q49), AED2.5 million for number (T95), AED2.8 million for number (U53), AED2.55 million for number (U79), AED2.775 million for number (W62) and AED2.675 million for numb
er (W85).

Funds raised from auctioning etisalat by e and special numbers were as follows: AED2.875 million for number (0545555555), AED150,000 for number (0561444444), AED285,000 for number (0569111111), AED250,000 for number (0548888881), AED125,000 for number (0545555551), AED75,000 for number (0544000001), AED105,000 for number (0568888800), AED70,000 for number (0564488888), AED45,000 for number (0564444499), AED80,000 for number (0563000004) and AED75,000 for number (0564344444).

Funds raised from auctioning du special numbers were as follows: AED290,000 for number (0587777770), AED120,000 for number (0587777771), AED190,000 for number (0587777772), AED150,000 for number (0587777773), AED180,000 for number (0587777774), AED160,000 for number (0587777775), AED175,000 for number (0587777776), AED3.2 million for number (0587777777), AED305,000 for number (0587777778) and AED165,000 for number (0587777779).

Other Most Noble Numbers auctions continue to be held across the UAE this week, including the Abu
Dhabi Police online auction for 555 special plate numbers via https://eca.ae/app, which closes on 26th and 27th March.

The Most Noble Number auction adds to six main donation channels available to contribute to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, including the campaign’s website (Mothersfund.ae) and a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfer in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (AE790340003708472909201).

Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word ‘Mother’ to the following numbers (1034, 1035, 1036, 1038) for Etisalat by e and users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the ‘Donations’ tab and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae).

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAMALLAH: President Mahmoud Abbas received tonight the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, where they discussed the latest developments of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip, and efforts exerted to immediately stop the genocidal war waged by the occupation against the Palestinian people there.

The president emphasized the importance of implementing the resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

President Abbas also called on the international community to coordinate efforts to deliver humanitarian, relief and medical aid to the entire Gaza Strip via all crossings to put an end to the famine inflicted upon Palestinians there as a result of the ongoing savage aggression.

The President reiterated Palestine’s firm rejection of the displacement of any Palestinian citizen, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, stress
ing that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and any plans of the occupation authorities to separate the Gaza Strip from the rest of Palestinian land and to seize any inch of its land or reoccupy it are unacceptable.

The President emphasized the need for the Israeli occupation authorities to stop their continuous measures and attacks against the Palestinian people in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, especially its imposition of restrictions on the entry of worshippers to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan and the commission of crimes by terrorist colonists against the defenseless Palestinian people.

President Abbas affirmed that security and peace are achieved through Palestine’s attainment of its full membership in the United Nations Security Council and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the land of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the 1967 borders.

The President expressed gratitude to the Federal Republic of Germany
for its stances in support of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as well as for its commitment to the unity of Palestinian territories.

President Abbas also appreciated Germany’s rejection of the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip or the reduction of its land, commending the humanitarian assistance it provides to the Gaza Strip. The President appreciated Germany’s firm position calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the introduction of humanitarian aid and the prevention of forced displacement.

President Mahmoud Abbas also called on the countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so, stressing the importance of continued support for UNRWA and praising Germany’s stance against Israeli colonial activities.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Amman: Israeli occupation forces said Monday they have rounded up 500 Palestinians from around Al Shifa Hospital west of Gaza City since storming the medical complex on March 18.

The occupation army said in a statement that its troops and the Shin Bet security service continued fighting in and around Shifa Hospital.

For the eighth day in a row, the Israeli army raided the hospital, where thousands are being treated and displaced people have taken refuge, and carried out killings and arrests as well as bombing of homes in the vicinity of the medical facility, leaving hundreds dead or wounded.

Source: Jordan News Agency

HEBRON: Israeli occupation forces this evening installed iron gates and placed cement blocks at the entrances of several villages in the Masafer Yatta area, south of Hebron, said local sources.

WAFA correspondent reported that Israeli forces installed iron gates and placed cement blocks at the entrances of the villages of Ma’in, Khirbet Shaab al-Batm and Um al-Khair in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.

Residents of the mentioned villages told WAFA that Israeli forces installed the gates to prevent and hinder their movement and tighten the noose on them to force them to leave their lands to seize them for colonial expansion.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Ramallah: Israeli occupation forces conducted a series of arrests on Monday, detaining 19 Palestinians, including a child and former prisoners, in Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem.

In a joint statement, the Prisoners’ and Ex-Prisoners’ Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners Society highlighted instances of widespread abuse, severe beatings, and threats directed towards detainees and their families. Additionally, there were reports of extensive sabotage and destruction of Palestinian homes accompanying the arrests.

The total number of arrests since October 7 has now reached approximately 7,770 individuals. This figure encompasses those apprehended from their homes, at military checkpoints, as well as individuals coerced into surrendering themselves under duress, and those held hostage.

Furthermore, the occupation army persists in perpetrating the crime of enforced disappearance against detainees from Gaza, with 171 days having passed since the aggression and genocide inflicted up
on Gaza.

Despite calls from various human rights institutions, both international and Palestinian, the occupation authorities have withheld any information regarding the fate and whereabouts of these detainees.

Source: Jordan News Agency

RAMALLAH: Prime Minister of the caretaker government, Mohammad Shtayyeh, expressed his hope that the draft resolution, which will be voted on Monday evening, by the Security Council, will be unanimously voted on for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delivery of aid.

“I hope that Israel will be forced to implement the decision, as Israel’s criminal behavior as a rogue state above the law, and as a criminal state, makes whoever stands with it an accomplice in the crime,” he said.

Shtayyeh stressed that what is required of the United States and permanent member states is not to use a veto against the resolution adopted by 10 member states of the Security Council, to stop supplying Israel with weapons and money, and to stop double standards.

“Is it reasonable for the US to use its veto 4 times since the start of the aggression, on October 7th, to prevent a resolution calling for a ceasefire? It is unreasonable and impermissible. Protection of Israel in the United Nations must be stopped because it is a (ro
gue) state,” he noted.

“We are working with the world to stop the aggression, and this is the basis of everything,” he added.

“Is it not enough for Israel to kill more than 32,000 people, most of whom are children and women? Is it not enough for Israel to wound more than 72,000 people, most of whom are women and children? Is it not enough for Israel to destroy more than 281,000 housing units between complete and partial destruction? And displace more than 1.6 million people?”, Shtayyeh said.

“Is it possible that the maritime aid corridor that is being built on the Gaza coast from the remains of demolished buildings is filled with the bodies of martyrs that were buried under the rubble? This is the a maritime corridor with the smell of death.”

Shtayyeh pointed out that the Cabinet is following up on the crimes committed against Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and is doing everything possible to alleviate their suffering by delivering water, coordinating aid, etc.

Source: Palestine News and Informat
ion Agency – WAFA