Day: March 28, 2024

GAZA: The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has now soared to 32,552, medical sources confirmed on Thursday.

Sources added that at least 74,980 others have also been injured in the onslaught.

At least 62 people were killed and 91 others were injured in Israeli attacks that took place in the last 24 hours, they added.

The sources said that many victims are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are still unable to reach them.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council in Geneva

AlAsoomi values Russia’s positions in support of the Palestinian question and discusses ways to strengthen and institutionalize Arab-Russian parliamentary relations

The President of the Arab Parliament H.E. Mr. Adel bin AbdulRahman AlAsoomi, praised the Russian Federation stands in support of the Palestinian question and people in the face of war crimes and genocide perpetrated by the brutal occupation entity in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories over more than six continuous months, and emphasized that the Arab people appreciate Russia’s veto in the UN Security Council in ways that contribute to a lasting ceasefire in support for the principles of right, justice and a living human conscience.

This came during the meeting of the President of the Arab Parliament and his accompanying delegation with H.E. Mr. Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, on the margins of their participation in the 148th I
nter-Parliamentary Union Assembly held in Geneva from 23 to 27 March 2024.

During the meeting, the President of the Arab Parliament discussed with the Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council ways of strengthening Arab-Russian parliamentary relations, highlighting that significant progress in the strategic relations between Russia and Arab countries at the government level is not matched by a similar development at the parliamentary level, which requires to take advanced steps towards institutionalizing relations between the Arab Parliament and the Russian Parliament through the exchange of visits, the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the granting of mutual observer status, as well as coordinating positions on issues of common concern in international fora that bring the two sides together.

From his side, the Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, stressed the keenness of his country to strengthen relations with the Arab States, underscoring that Arab-Russian relations have no
t seen positive progress as in the current period either with each Arab State or at the collective level, and he reiterated the keenness of the Parliament of the Russian Federation to establish strong and regular relations with the Arab Parliament to promote parliamentary relations between Russia and the Arab States.

In this context, the Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council extended an invitation to the President of the Arab Parliament to visit the Russian Federation to discuss ways of establishing relations between the Russian Parliament and the Arab Parliament, and to meet with Russian Senior Officials to enhance Arab-Russian relations, notably at the parliamentary level.

Mr. Kosachev also reiterated his country’s clear and strong position in upholding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in the face of war crimes they are subjected to in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need to immediately and permanently stop this aggression and that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rig
hts notably the establishment of their independent State with Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

GAZA: A Palestinain child has Thursday died due to famine and the lack of treatment, bringing the number of victims of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip to 30, medical sources confirmed.

The same sources said that a child died as a result of malnutrition, dehydration, and lack of medical supplies, at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Strip, especially the northern region, is grappling with severe shortages in food, water, medication, and fuel. Even the aid reaching the southern region of the enclave has been insufficient, particularly with the displacement of over 1.3 million people from northern Gaza to the south, notably to Rafah.

The Israeli occupation forces not only prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza but also intentionally target citizens as they await the arrival of desperately needed aid supplies. This has resulted in the tragic murder of hundreds of civilians and injuries to many more.

The World Health Organization has warned that malnutrition is
particularly exacerbated in the northern region, where infrastructure destruction and shortages in water, food, and medication have prevailed since the beginning of the ongoing Israeli aggression.

The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has now soared to 32,552, medical sources confirmed on Thursday.

Sources added that at least 74,980 others have also been injured in the onslaught.

At least 62 people were killed and 91 others were injured in Israeli attacks that took place in the last 24 hours, they added.

The sources said that many victims are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are still unable to reach them.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Caretaker Minister of Industry, George Bushkian, received on Thursday in his office at the ministry, German Ambassador to Lebanon, Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried.

Discussions between the pair reportedly touched on the means to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and Germany.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

RAMALLAH: The Israeli occupation army conducted last night and this morning a large-scale arrest campaign in the occupied West Bank and detained 25 Palestinians, including a child and former prisoners, according to various sources.

The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said that at least ten Palestinians, including a 15-year-old child, were rounded up by occupation forces from different areas across Hebron city.

PPS added that the rest of the detentions took place in the governorates of Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Salfit, and Jerusalem.

Palestinian detainees are usually subjected to brutal abuse during their detention, involving severe beatings and threats against the detainees and their families, added PPS.

The total number of Palestinians, including children, women and elderly men, who were detained after October 7th has surged to more than 7,845 persons.

Furthermore, the Israeli army continues to carry out the crime of enforced disappearance against detainees in the Gaza Strip, as the occupation refuse
s to provide human rights institutions with any details regarding their fate or their places of detention.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

The Center for Women in Business at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), presented the results of a study on women in the industrial sector in Lebanon as part of the first phase of the project ‘Women in Management Initiative’. This event aimed to highlight the pivotal role that women play in driving economic growth and promoting sustainable development in Lebanon and the region, while proposing ways to address the obstacles they face in accessing and thriving in industrial environments.

The event began with a speech by Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, director of the Center for Women in Business, highlighting women’s roles in all economic sectors for any nation’s growth. She emphasized that the center aims, in addition to scientific research, to enhance working women’s professional skills as well as advocating for their rightful causes in the Midd
le East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Professor Yusuf Sidani, OSB dean, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing, ‘The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut is committed to supporting women in the business sector throughout the Middle East and North Africa.’ He affirmed full support for all initiatives that help advance women’s progress in the field of business and at all professional levels.

Then the General Manager of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) Talal Hijazi, considered that through strategic cooperation with the International Labor Organization, ALI is leading the process of empowering industrial women in Lebanon by benefiting from the collective efforts of the Women Task Force to ensure their success and influence in the industrial scene.

This was followed by a speech by Senior Specialist in Employer’s Activities at the International Labor Organization (ILO) Jose Manuel Medina Checa, who explained the role of ILO in the field of developing women in
the world of business in the world in general and in Lebanon in particular. He said, ‘From ILO’s side, we are working with ALI to increase the number of women industrialists and the number of women in board and management positions. The launching of the Women Taskforce today and the awareness campaign are specific efforts to attract more women industrialists to become member of the association and shows the leading example of the organization and commitment to ‘walk the walk’ within their own structure.’

An explanation of the results of the study conducted by the Project Manager at ILO Melissa Badr was presented, confirming that ‘According to surveys conducted in mid-2023 among ALI members, the participation of women in the labor force stood at 25 percent, slightly below the MENA average of 27 percent. Regarding management positions, the representation of women aligns with the global estimates range of 20-31 percent , with women comprising 27 percent of managerial roles.’

The session continued with a panel
discussion moderated by Jose Manuel Medina Checa with Lina Tannir, lecturer at AUB’s OSB and co-founder of Lush; Patricia Hashim, owner and chief financial officer at MPTICO; and Rindala Qasim, chief executive officer of PandaPlast.

Lina Tannir, OSB lecturer and co-founder of Lush, who said, ‘I joined the entrepreneurship ecosystem by starting my own venture because I genuinely wanted to put to practice my knowledge. I knew I could because many obstacles facing women entrepreneurs have been overcome over the years with increasing awareness around gender equity. I did start my own business back in 2011, yet, and similar to many other women-led businesses, I faced challenges mainly related to access to financing. Finding capital to sustain and growth business ventures remains a challenge for us, women. Nonetheless many women-led networks have been developing to facilitate and provide access to funding to further promote business venturing for women.’

Patricia Hashim, owner and chief financial officer at MPTIC
O, added, ‘As a proud member of the Women Task Force, and a dedicated industrialist, we strive to inspire and empower women in the industry. Leading by example and driving positive change towards greater representation and success for all women in industry. Together, through cooperation and collective efforts with ILO and ALI, we are reshaping the industrial landscape and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.’

Likewise, Rindala Qasim, chief executive officer of PandaPlast, confirmed; ‘As a woman and an industrialist, I believe that the inclusion of women in the manufacturing industry is critical and offers abundant opportunities. We must ensure the industry moves in the most effective direction. Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI) can facilitate women’s presence not only in decision-making capacities but also in operational roles. Together, we can cultivate a competitive environment
and foster innovative solutions. Furthermore, I advocate for women’s entrepreneurship, as women possess unique insights into market needs. Their involvement ensures tailored solutions that effectively serve diverse consumer demographics.’

The meeting concluded by introducing the goal and aspirations of ALI and emphasizing their commitment to fully supporting women in the industrial sector due to their belief that they are always the supportive partner in successful institutions. Dr. Khaddage-Soboh then presented the study’s roadmap and spoke about how to closely follow up on supporting women in Lebanon, and the entire Middle East and North Africa.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

RAMALLAH: Weather on Thursday is expected to partly cloudy to hot and dry as temperatures are expected to rise significantly, becoming 9-10 degrees Celsius above the annual average, according to the Palestinian Meteorological Department (PMD).

Wind is southeasterly to northeasterly, and light to moderate. Sea waves are low.

No changes in temperature or weather conditions are expected on Friday and Saturday.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

National News Agency correspondent reported that an enemy Israeli reconnaissance drone flew in the airspace of the city of Baalbek at medium altitude.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Amman: Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni, on Thursday, discussed with the World Bank, in the presence of the Acting Secretary General of the Ministry, Engineer Osama Al-Karadsheh, the outcomes of the technical assistance given by the Bank.

Tahtamouni emphasized the significance of establishing a broad framework and national policy for the sustainable financing of roads, considering the substantial expenses incurred by the government in creating the road network and its incapacity to supply the funds required for its upkeep and construction.

The delegation reviewed the outcomes of the technical assistance given to carry out public-private partnership projects aimed at creating and preserving the road network during the meeting.

The World Bank team clarified that additional research on the financial and environmental aspects of the aviation industry is required in order to establish a suitable air transport policy.

The team moreover examined the protocols being executed by the Jordanian government in
collaboration with the World Bank concerning the assessment of the rapid bus feeder line network, with the objective of enhancing the quality of service given to the populace.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Lebanese American University has achieved a new milestone in its 100-year history with the conversion of its academic center in New York into a branch campus, as per the Board of Regents of the State of New York’s approval on March 12.

LAU New York, strategically located in midtown Manhattan, may now confer master’s and bachelor’s degrees. This landmark decision paves the way for the registration of five cutting-edge programs tailored to the needs of the global job market: An in-person BS in International Business and four master’s programs to be offered online and in person, namely MBA in Business Analytics, MBA in Global Business Administration, MS in Computer Science, and MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

‘Through this move,’ said LAU President Michel E. Mawad, ‘we are expanding the boundaries of higher education, and forging a path toward a future where cross-cultural exchange, experiential learning and global connectivity are seamlessly woven into the fabric of our academic excellence.’

This
groundbreaking achievement unlocks a multitude of opportunities for LAU, enabling the university to offer a host of degree and certificate programs in support of learners in New York and around the world.

LAU’s students in the MENA and their counterparts in New York will benefit from an enriched learning experience centered on cultural exchange and the forging of stronger links between Lebanon and the United States. LAU, which is a leader in offering US-style education in Lebanon, will now have the opportunity to facilitate the flow of knowledge, ideas, and opportunities bidirectionally.

In terms of in-person education, LAU New York is poised to launch a BS in International Business program in September 2025. This cutting-edge program embraces the true meaning of international by featuring classes that will run simultaneously between LAU New York and LAU’s other campuses, fostering significant cultural and educational exchange. Additionally, this program opens up exciting opportunities for local New York st
udents to spend a semester or more on the university’s Lebanon campuses, further amplifying the international learning experience.

LAU’s online programs will be strategically relocated to LAU New York. This move will allow for access to world-class instructors from the professional and academic landscape of New York City, while continuing the partnerships with LAU’s Beirut and Byblos campuses, thereby transcending geographical boundaries.

The branch campus registration will qualify LAU New York to follow through with a special certification (SEVP) which would facilitate ‘student or exchange’ visas (Form I-20) in the future. It will also enable LAU’s US students to apply for federal grants, greatly enhancing their access to education. This will also facilitate authorizations for optional practical training, allowing for internships in the USA for students who spend one year or more studying at LAU New York, greatly increasing skilling and employability prospects.

LAU will also open up exchange programs enab
ling Lebanon-based students to spend a semester or more at LAU New York, immersing themselves in the cultural, educational, and professional scenes of the world’s most diverse city.

‘These exchanges are core to the current educational needs of students, offering a truly international experience from LAU, and very differentiated employability prospects,’ said Dr. Barbar Akle, associate provost and executive director of LAU New York, adding that this momentous change solidifies the institution’s status as a global university.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Amman: Jordan’s exports to European Union countries accounted for 60.9% out of the total national exports during January of this year.

According to foreign trade data issued by Department of Statistics (DoS) AND monitored by “Petra”, the value of national exports to European Union nations went up in January of this year, reaching JD37 million, compared to JD23 million for the same month last year, driven by an increase in the volume of Jordanian exports to the Netherlands, which reached JD13 million.

Meanwhile, value of national exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) countries grew by 2.4% in January of this year, reaching JD210 million, compared to JD205 million, driven by an increase in the volume of national exports to the Iraqi market, at a value of JD51 million.

As for the volume of national exports to North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in January of this year, their value increased by 18.5%, reaching about JD192 million, compared to JD162 million for the same month last year.

T
his surge is driven by the increase in the volume of Jordanian exports to the United States, reaching JD186 million, the report revealed.

As for the volume of national exports with non-Arab Asian countries in January of this year, the data showed a decline of 8.1%, reaching approximately JD102 million, compared to the same month of last year, which amounted to JD111 million, driven by a decrease in volume of Jordanian exports to the Indian market that reached JD45 million.

Per the report, the volume of national exports to the rest of the economic blocs dropped by 38.8% in January of this year, reaching about JD52 million, compared to JD85 million for the same month last year.

This decline is due to a decrease in the volume of exports to free zones, where it reached about JD23 million, the report said

Source: Jordan News Agency

The state of New York has approved the establishment of a campus for the Lebanese American University (LAU) in the city, marking a significant milestone for the university’s expansion efforts.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon