Day: April 18, 2024

Zarqa: The Hashemite University (HU) secured the highest rating certificate of the QS 5-Stars Rating, awarded by Quality Standards (QS) World University Rankings, which came in recognition of its education and research quality and its contribution to community development.

On the occasion, the university’s acting president, Dr. Awni Tradrat, said this achievement reflects HU’s efforts in developing its academic programs, enhancing its research, innovation and entrepreneurship environment and boosting its commitment to achieve quality in academic fields and graduate “qualitative” competencies.

Tradrat added that: “We are committed to continue our journey towards academic, research and administrative excellence, in line with His Majesty King Abdullah II’s vision to make universities a lever of construction and development, enhance capabilities of the nation’s youth, compete locally and globally, and build the country’s knowledge economy.”

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Arab League praised on Wednesday the journalists’ great sacrifices in the ongoing Israeli occupation war against the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Assistant Secretary General and League’s Head of the Media and Communication Sector Ambassador Ahmad Khattabi said, on the Arab Media Day April 21st, that commemorating this occasion comes in an exceptional context with the continued aggression against Gaza, catastrophic humanitarian crisis of Gaza residents, and Palestinians’ persistence in the occupied territories, including Jerusalem, against settlement practices and repeated incursions.

Khattabi added that the Israeli occupation aggression caused destruction due to targeting residential areas, civil, educational and hospital facilities, public facilities and places of worship, a situation that worsened with the occupation’s obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid and relief teams.

He announced that the League will host, on April 22nd, a meeting of the assessing committee for the eighth session of the
Media Excellence Award, which was allocated this year to (Crisis, Disaster and Risk Media).

Nearly 100 works submitted by member states and media unions to obtain this award dealt with the remnants and tragic narratives of the aggression against the Gaza Strip, noted Khattabi.

Arab Media Day is commemorated on April 21st yearly, in accordance with the resolution issued by the 46th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, in line with the objectives of the Arab League’s Charter, the terms of reference for joint Arab media work, and the implications of encouraging innovation

Source: Kuwait News Agency

A group of UN experts on Thursday raised “serious” alarm over the systemic destruction of the Palestinian education system in Gaza by the Israeli Occupation Entity.

“With more than 80 per cent of Gaza’s schools damaged or destroyed it is reasonable to ask whether there is a deliberate effort to comprehensively destroy the Palestinian education system an action known as ‘scholasticide’,” the experts said in a joint statement.

The experts noted that more than 5,479 students 261 teachers and 95 university professors have been killed in Gaza and over 7,819 students and 756 teachers have been injured — with numbers growing each day since the 7th of October.

They added that at least 60 percent of educational facilities including 13 public libraries have been damaged or destroyed and at least 625,000 students have no access to education.

The experts stated that UN schools sheltering forcibly displaced civilians are being bombed including in Israeli military-designated “safe zones,” adding that these attacks are
deliberated and they present a systematic pattern of violence aimed at dismantling the very foundation of Palestinian society.

“The persistent callous attacks on educational infrastructure in Gaza have a devastating long-term impact on the fundamental rights of people to learn and freely express themselves depriving yet another generation of Palestinians of their future,” the experts said.

“Students with international scholarships are being prevented from attending university abroad,” they added.

The experts said they were equally appalled by the annihilation of the cultural sector in Gaza through the destruction 195-heritage sites 227 mosques and three churches including the Central Archives of Gaza, which contained 150 years of history.

“The foundations of Palestinian society are being reduced to rubble and their history is being erased,” they said.

The experts called on the Israeli occupation Entity to comply with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January.

T
hey also reiterated their call for the international community to send a clear message of accountability for these violations including by committing to fund and rebuild the education system.

The statement was issued by the Special Rapporteur on the right to education Farida Shaheed and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese among other experts.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Amman: The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and the Danish Refugee Council concluded a workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of the local working group to develop effective models for economic empowerment of survivors of gender-based violence.

This group comprises various international and national entities, including the Ministries of Social Development and Health, the Department of Family and Juvenile Protection, the Jordan River Foundation, the Arab Women’s Association, the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, the International Medical Corps, the International Relief Committee, the Children’s Villages Association, and the Family Health Care Institute, among others.

The workshop, part of an innovative project on gender-based violence, focused on promoting the economic empowerment of survivors in humanitarian contexts through evidence-based approaches and local initiatives.

Over three days, attendees engaged in advocacy techniques, support mobilization strategies, and training on g
ender-based violence prevention programs, along with discussions on unified national procedures for preventing and responding to violence cases in Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Bavarian police have arrested and accused two men of being Russian spies planning to bomb industrial and military sites in Germany.

In a statement Thursday, the Public Prosecution said that the two German-Russian nationals, were accused “urgently and in connection with a huge case” of spying for a foreign intelligence service.

According to the Public Prosecution, one of the detainees affirmed that he was planning to carry out bombing attacks against military infrastructure and industrial areas in Germany, and that he collected information about possible targets for carrying out these attacks.

Since the start of the Ukrainian-Russian war in February 2022, German-Russian relations have witnessed clear tension, accompanied by sanctions and counter-sanctions between the two sides against the backdrop of the war.

Later, the German foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin against backdrop of detaining the suspects. The mass circulation Der Spiegel quoted a ministry official as confirming the r
eport

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Amman: The Amman Declaration issued by the meetings of the 37th session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) on the humanitarian situation in Gaza praised “the important efforts made by Jordan and Jordan Red Crescent Society (JRCS) in carrying out airdrops of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The declaration also commended the Kingdom’s “serious” endeavors to open another crossing for delivering humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering of the Palestinian people in the strip.

According to a ICIC statement Thursday, the declaration hailed the “great” humanitarian efforts undertaken by Palestine Red Crescent Society, calling for protecting and respecting its medical teams, paramedics, ambulances, health centres, and rescue operations.

The declaration called for lifting Gaza siege, opening border crossings, and allowing humanitarian aid to enter the strip, which would contribute to its delivery to all Gaza areas.

Additionally, the document praised other countries’ efforts to carry out airdrops
of humanitarian aid, in cooperation with national and international bodies, associations and organizations.

It welcomed establishment of a center to document violations of international humanitarian law carried out by the Israeli authorities in the Palestinian territories.

Moreover, the ICIC extended thanks and appreciation to the Republic of South Africa for filing a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice to prosecute it for crime of genocide.

On future action, the ICIC advised launching a mechanism for cooperation and coordination and unifying efforts to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, valuing JRCS’s efforts and its cooperation in organizing 37th session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Jerusalem – Ma’an – The occupation forces recently attacked a young man while he was walking at the Qalandiya military checkpoint.

The occupation forces chased the young man, beat him severely, and then arrested him.

Source: Maan News Agency

Amman: A contract was signed on Thursday, marking a collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Algebra Intelligence, a software company that specializes in Internet of things-based solutions, to implement an artificial intelligence project for electrical load planning and operation.

This agreement falls under the joint technical cooperation between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and JICA to advance artificial intelligence technologies in Jordan. The project aims to optimize decision-making for both traditional and alternative energy systems and predict electrical loads, and their weather-related impacts.

During the signing ceremony attended by Morihata Shingo, Chief Representative of JICA Jordan Office, and Energy Minister, Saleh Kharabsheh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmed Hanandeh emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing energy sector efficiency and economic impact.

Hanandeh highlighted the project’s role in aligning e
nergy generation with consumption patterns and stressed future collaborations in sectors like health, agriculture, and education to drive technological progress and economic growth.

Kharabsheh emphasized the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence into electrical load planning to maximize renewable energy utilization and enhance predictive capabilities.

Shingo expressed confidence in the partnership with Jordan, foreseeing advancements in artificial intelligence and technology that will set new standards for innovation and infrastructure development.

Algebra Intelligence CEO, Ahmed Tawafsheh, underscored the project’s role in aiding decision-making for energy generation and forecasting, highlighting the company’s dedication to advancing energy efficiency in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Regarding project applicants, Lama Arabiyat from the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Department noted the selection of Algebra among 11 companies for its expertise and capabilities in implementing
the project.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Jerusalem – Together – Today, Thursday, dozens of settlers carried out their raids on the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid continued calls for attempts to present ‘Easter offerings’ and carry out widespread raids during the days of the holiday ‘next week.’

155 extremists stormed Al-Aqsa, during the morning and afternoon raids, and performed collective and public prayers during the storming of Al-Aqsa, and in specific areas, ‘the eastern wall’ opposite the Dome of the Rock, near Bab Al-Qattanin, and near Bab Al-Silsilah.

The Temple Mount Religious School had called for holding a festive musical program at the Umayyad palaces today, then storming Al-Aqsa and holding Easter prayers inside Al-Aqsa/Ascension Day.

While daily calls continue by ‘groups and organizations of the alleged temple’ for settlers to attempt to present ‘offerings for the Feast of the Examination/Goat, Capricorn’ at Al-Aqsa or at its gates next Sunday and Monday.

Next Tuesday, the ‘Jewish Passover’ begins for a week, and it is one of the main
holidays during which widespread raids are carried out, with the participation of officials, rabbis, and religious schools, of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Today, the ‘simulating offering of sacrifices’ event is being organized in the ‘Mitzpe Jericho’ settlement. Over the past years, ‘extremist Temple groups’ have been trying to organize this event at the closest point to Al-Aqsa, but this year the location was determined outside the entire city of Jerusalem.

Source: Maan News Agency

Amman: President of the Senate Faisal Fayez held discussions on Thursday with British Ambassador Philip Hall, focusing on various aspects of Jordanian-British relations and the prevailing regional dynamics.

Emphasizing the strategic significance of ties between the two nations, Fayez underscored the imperative of further enhancing cooperation, particularly in economic and investment domains, for mutual benefit.

Highlighting Jordan’s ongoing comprehensive reform endeavors as a reflection of the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Fayez outlined the multifaceted reform agenda aimed at bolstering popular participation, empowering women and youth, addressing economic challenges, and fostering an investment-friendly environment conducive to growth.

Fayez reaffirmed Jordan’s strategic partnership with the United Kingdom and urged for increased economic assistance and British investment to bolster the kingdom’s resilience in the face of regional challenges.

Addressing the ongoing Israeli aggres
sion against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, Fayez reiterated His Majesty King Abdullah II’s unwavering efforts to halt the violence and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Expressing solidarity with Palestinian aspirations for a just and comprehensive solution, Fayez called upon the UK and the international community to support His Majesty’s endeavors in ending the region’s conflicts and advancing the two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

He added that Jordan rejects any solutions to the Palestinian issue at the expense of its national principles, refuses to be a battlefield for any party, and will strongly confront any attempts to penetrate its national sovereignty.

In response, Ambassador Hall reiterated the strategic importance of Jordan-UK partnership in fostering regional peace and stability. He commended the existing bilateral relations and affirmed the UK’s commitment to further bolstering ties and extending economic support to Jordan.

Hall
also lauded His Majesty King Abdullah II’s pivotal role in promoting security and stability in the region, underscoring the UK’s continued cooperation and collaboration with Jordan in pursuit of shared objectives.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Jerusalem – Together – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Thursday, from Jakarta after talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, ‘all parties to the conflict in Gaza to exercise restraint,’ and said that his country expects the United Nations to play its role in the Gaza Strip.

He also expressed his hope that the United States would listen to the international community regarding this issue.

Source: Maan News Agency

Amman: Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal inaugurated the 18th International Conference of the Society of Internal Disease Specialists on Wednesday.

Conducted in collaboration with the British Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the conference aims to advance medical education, update Jordanian physicians on the latest advancements in disease diagnosis and treatment, and facilitate knowledge exchange among professionals from various countries, encompassing both public and private healthcare sectors.

Over three days, experts from several nations will delve into fifty scientific papers covering internal diseases and their specialized fields, including the digestive system, heart, kidneys, nerves, respiratory system, endocrine glands, diabetes, rheumatism, joints, blood and tumors, radiology, diagnostic radiology, and infectious diseases.

In her address, Princess Basma commended the dedication of Jordanian medical staff serving in Gaza’s field hospitals amid the ongoing war, emphasizing Jordan’s
unwavering support for Palestine and its people, as evidenced by humanitarian aid deliveries and airlifts.

She highlighted the sacrifices made by healthcare workers in Gaza and reiterated the commitment to providing comprehensive medical care despite the challenging circumstances.

Acknowledging the conference’s organizers, including the Society of Internal Disease Specialists, the Royal Medical Services, the government and private healthcare sectors, and the British Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Princess Basma emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange to enrich medical practice.

Dr. Naif Al-Abdallat, President of the Conference, praised the contributions of medical pioneers in elevating Jordan’s healthcare sector to regional prominence and transforming it into a top destination for medical tourism.

Dr. Mujamed Jaradat from the Palestinian Society of Internal Diseases Specialists and Dr. Abbas Fadel from the Iraqi Internal Medicine Society expressed gratitude for Jordan’s support and highli
ghted the conference’s role in enhancing Arab collaboration and healthcare services.

Dr. Muhammad Ghunaimat, President of the Arab Society of Internal Diseases Specialists, emphasized the significance of the conference as a platform for learning and collaboration among specialists.

Dr. Susan Pound, Vice President of the Royal British College of Edinburgh, underscored the importance of knowledge sharing between doctors from different countries to improve patient care.

Dr. Ziyad Al-Zoubi, head of the Jordanian Doctors Syndicate, reiterated the importance of such conferences in advancing medical expertise and affirmed the union’s support for professional development in Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency