Day: 13 August 2023

Israeli occupation authorities informed today the Palestinian family of Sub Laban that they are required to cover the expenses of their forcible eviction from their home. The family were last month forcibly evicted from their 70-year home in Aqabat al-Khaldia in the Old City of Jerusalem in favor of illegal Jewish settlers. Noura Sub Laban said the unfair Israeli compensation claim includes 17,187 shekels ($4,610) in compensation to the Israeli police for 160 hours of working in the house to secure the eviction, in addition to 17,000 shekels ($4,600) to a private contracting company that evacuated the house, and 13,000 shekels for legal expenses. The Israeli order also includes movement restrictions on the Sub Laban family members until they settle the unfair compensation, including a travel ban and confiscation of their property, including vehicles and real estate, in the event that the fine is not paid as soon as possible. The family were evicted by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers on July 11 from their home based on a biased Israeli court order. The order said the family, who have lived in their home for 70 years, should be removed so settlers could take over. Palestinian civil society and rights groups released a statement in June blasting Israel’s efforts to displace the family, which they said is ‘forcible transfer, which constitutes both a war crime and a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute’. The statement said the ongoing expulsions of Palestinians are a ‘result of the international community’s deliberate failure and unwillingness to take effective and meaningful measures to end Israel’s illegal occupation, and settler-colonial apartheid regime’. The groups also called states to take action, ‘including through arms embargoes, economic sanctions and countermeasures against Israel; and targeted individual sanctions against Israeli settler organizations’. The Ghaith-Sub Laban family has been renting the home since 1953, while the eastern half of Jerusalem, including the Old City, was under Jordanian administration. They were granted protected lease rights, but have faced a costly, 45-year legal battle in Israeli courts against government-backed settler organizations to displace them.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

His Excellency Field Marshal Mahdi Al-Mashat, Head of the Supreme Political Council, met today,Sunday, with the Mufti of Al-Hodeidah province – President of the University of Sharia Sciences, Sheikh Muhammad Muhammad Ali Marei, and his deputy, Sheikh Ahmed Ali Marei, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Finance Dr. Rashid Abu Lahoum, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Services Dr. Hussein Maqbouli.

During the meeting, the role of scholars was discussed in enlightening the Yemeni people to adhere to their faith identity and pride in their culture, which enabled them to confront the forces of the American-Saudi aggression for the ninth year in a row and achieve the victory that is calculated for all Yemeni people.

The President praised the role of the scholar Muhammad Marei, may God have mercy on him, and his son, Sheikh Muhammad Muhammad Marai, and the outputs of the University of Sharia Sciences in Hodeida in educating people about the dangers ,goals of aggression and devoting a culture of awareness to the general Yemeni people in the importance of confronting the enemies of God as a religious and national responsibility.

He drew attention to the importance of the role of scholars in uniting, strengthening the unity of the ranks and the word, as this is an essential element for clinging to the rope of God and adhering to true Islamic religion values .

President Al-Mashat said, “By the grace of God and the efforts of the venerable scholars, all hopes of the aggression to mislead the people of Al-Hodeida, to deceive and plunge them into battles that serve the agenda of the aggression forces , have been shattered.”

The President, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Finance directed to provide full support to the University of Sharia Sciences in Al-Hodeida province, and to solve all the problems it faces, in a way that serves Sharia science.

For his part, Hodeida Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Marei, appreciated the interest of the President Al-Mashat in the scholars and the strengthening of their guiding role, as well as his blessed efforts in managing state affairs in the most difficult circumstances the country is going through, wishing him success .

Source: Yemen News Agency

The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) disclosed its comprehensive activities in the first half of the current year. It managed nearly 110,000 customs declarations received through multiple border crossings, conducted over 25,000 laboratory tests within its facilities, and carried out more than 1,000 inspection tours across markets and factories across the Kingdom. The Organization also demonstrated its commitment to quality control by issuing 55 new standard specifications through its dedicated technical committees. In a statement released on Sunday, the JSMO announced that it had taken significant actions to ensure compliance with technical regulations and Jordanian standard specifications. A total of 170 decisions were issued to dispose of numerous products that did not meet the required standards. The affected items encompassed children’s toys, detergents, cosmetics, electrical household appliances, bags, and clothes. Additionally, 21 economic establishments were referred to the attorney general to initiate legal procedures in accordance with the applicable Standards and Metrology Law No. (22) of 2000 and its amendments. During the first six months of 2023, the JSMO revealed its efforts in verifying the compliance of 1,250 elevators with control instructions for their utilize in buildings and facilities. Furthermore, it conducted thorough assessments of 4,750 conformity documents for diverse products and examined the trademarks of 1,400 items. Surprisingly, close to 200 of these products were discovered to bear duplicate markings. As per the latest update, the number of companies enrolling in the compliant trader list has reached an impressive count of 126. This initiative is designed with the objective of streamlining customs processes, minimizing expenses for traders, maximizing resource utilization, and bolstering the effectiveness of control measures. The program primarily targets high-risk consignments to ensure enhanced import control measures. In a connected development, the Organization has recently recognized the excellence of 120 products by bestowing them with the prestigious Jordanian Quality Mark. Furthermore, it has issued 550 conformity certificates for a diverse range of locally produced goods, while granting Halal certificates to 70, and verifying the authenticity of 140 organic product certificates. Additionally, 155 Halal certificates were granted for the purpose of exporting goods to regional and international markets. In the first half of this year, the Organization received a total of 250 complaints, which were promptly addressed by the relevant departments. It urged citizens to share their feedback, observations and complaints through various channels, such as WhatsApp, the unified complaints phone line (065301243), its social media pages, and the complaints section on their official website (accessible via the link: https://bit.ly/3exrpDC). ?.) Additionally, complaints can also be submitted through the “Sanad” platform on WhatsApp at the number (065008080). It emphasized that all complaints are treated with the utmost confidentiality and objectivity.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation launched a training program on safe planning for sanitary safety, joined by representatives from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This program aims to develop skills and emphasize the significance of effective planning for wastewater facility management. Jordan is the first country in the region to implement this program, according to the ministry’s statement on Sunday. It involves identifying and managing risks in the sewage system chain, directing investments based on actual risks, ensuring the safe operation of the sewage system, spreading awareness of the program’s importance, and partnering with the training center of the Water Authority of Jordan to train experienced workers. According to Rami Abu Rawaq, the Acting Secretary-General of the Water Authority of Jordan, the organization has been successful in providing sanitation services to 68 percent and water services to over 98 percent of the population in the Kingdom over the last few years. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the resources of all parties involved to ensure the best quality of treated water in sewage plants, expressing his gratitude towards the GIZ for their support in the water sector. At the ceremony, Rola Alemam, a representative from the World Health Organization, emphasized the significance of implementing a proactive management system for sanitation systems to safeguard public health. Alemam also mentioned that this program offers assurances for health services and treated water, with gradual plans to address any issues.

Source: Jordan News Agency

A Jordanian ministerial delegation is visiting the United Arab Emirates to discuss cooperation in the fields of energy, water, and the environment as well as ways to confront the global climate crisis. Minister of Water Mohamed Najjar, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, and Minister of Environment Muawiya Radaydah are slated to meet the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and special envoy for climate change Sultan Al Jaber. The discussions will also touch on the UAE’s preparations for hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) during November and December of 2023. The visit includes a tripartite meeting that brings together Al Jaber and the Israeli minister of energy to tackle the Prosperity Blue and Prosperity Green projects and a declaration of intent signed by the three parties and the United States in 2021.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Under the slogan “Hope for Cure”, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched a fundraising campaign to ensure life-saving medical care for patients with cancer in northern Syria.

By raising QR 5,060,000 in donations, QRCS will be able to provide essential chemotherapy and immunotherapy medications for the benefit of 220 Syrian refugees and displaced people with cancer for a whole year.

QRCS allocated USD 1 million to procure quantities of medicines and diagnostic and therapeutic equipment as soon as possible, especially a positron emission tomography (PET) scanning device, which is used to detect a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

All the medical services provided under the project will be totally free of charge, as the poor patients cannot afford the high cost of treatment and other diagnostic services.

The project is implemented in partnership with the Idlib Governorate Hospitals Oncology Center. Operated by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), the hospital will provide lists of medicines and equipment needed for treatment and diagnosis, as well as a list of beneficiaries and their medical reports.

The Idlib Directorate of Health and local and international organizations will be involved in conducting studies and surveys on the current situation of the health sector in northern Syria.

Director of Relief and International Development Division at QRCS, Dr. Mohamed Salah Ibrahim commented, “For many years now, millions of Syrians have been displaced by the civil war. The brunt of the crisis was taken the most by cancer patients, who are desperate for intensive treatment, as well as financial and moral support, to survive such a deadly monster”.

“QRCS joins hands with the benevolent people of Qatar to launch a live-saving project to secure cancer medications for refugees and displaced people in northwestern Syria. Many of these are helpless children, women, and older persons whose sole hope is to get help from Allah and from donors. Lets pray that they might find physical and spiritual recovery after years of pain and suffering,” he explained.

According to official health statistics, there are over 3,000 cancer patients in northwestern Syria, and the number is increasingly growing, with an average of 1,100 new cancer cases being discovered annually.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner, has concluded its summer STEM program for students from grades 6 to 12 from across Qatar.

The university has designed and developed educational programs specifically for Qatari school students to explore the foundations of various engineering concepts. The program included 3D Computer Design: 3D Innovation; Qatar Innovates: Fundamentals of Engineering Design and Robotics REV: Introduction to Robotics Engineering and Penwood Derby Engineering.

Through the 3D computer design program, grade 9-12 students were able to learn how to design and create products, from conceptualizing an idea to turning it into a product. They were instructed in using Fusion360 professional 3D computer modeling software in order to learn the rules of 3D modeling, as well as how to use additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

The Qatar Innovates: Fundamentals of Engineering Design program focused on teaching students the principles of engineering design, which are understanding, definition, visualization, prototyping, and testing. This annual program launched a set of challenges for students in grades nine to 12 to test their abilities and work in groups to develop innovative solutions to current issues.

The students participating in the REV Robotics Program were able to explore the fundamentals of robotics engineering, mechanical and structural design, and robotics programming.

STEM Initiatives and Laboratory Manager at Texas A&M University at Qatar Benjamin Cieslinski expressed his happiness with the enthusiasm and excitement shown by the students of the summer program, pointing out that the students acquired the foundations of engineering knowledge, adding that the educational programs played a pivotal role in developing their critical thinking and their ability to find solutions to current issues.

For her part, Tala Katbeh, one of the developers and designers of the program explained that as an engineering teacher, she seeks to nurture the concept of innovation among students, by learning about 3D computer design, robotics, programming and engineering design.

Source: Qatar News Agency

At least 55 people were killed as a result of heavy rains and landslides that hit separate areas in Bangladesh two weeks ago, affecting more than a million people.

Since the beginning of this month, local authorities in a number of regions in Bangladesh announced that floods and landslides have killed 21 people in Cox’s Bazar, 19 in Chattogram, 10 in Bandarban, and five in Rangamati, indicating that these four areas are the most affected by the rains.

Floods threaten the continuation of millions of people in this country, where climate change increases the frequency and intensity of its impact at a time when the possibility of its occurrence weakens.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Ministry of Labor announced the launch of the first phase of the practical training program for Qataris from both genders, as well as those with Qatari mothers, as part of the activities of the National program for the Nationalization of jobs in the private sector, which is organized by the ministry in cooperation with companies in the insurance sector, with the aim of increasing rates of nationalization in them.

The program offers joint theoretical training between the Ministry of Labor, Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company and General Takaful Insurance Company, while three companies from the insurance sector are participating in the practical training: Qatar Islamic Insurance Group, Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) and Doha Takaful.

The first phase of the training program provides the participants with the opportunity to learn about the nature of work and jobs in insurance companies, their various fields of work and their importance in strengthening the national economy, which contributes to increasing job seekers’ demand for employment in insurance sector companies.

The practical training within the job nationalization program in the private sector is divided into two parts: the first is based on theoretical training for the participants for a period of three days, and the second is practical training at the headquarters of one of the companies participating in the program for a period of seven days, which provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the nature of work within the company in practice.

The practical training program for job seekers is distinguished by providing the participants with the opportunity to hold direct interviews with recruitment officials in the five participating companies in the first phase, so that job seekers can quickly find a job.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Iranian television announced today, Sunday evening, that the “ISIS” organization had claimed the terrorist attack that targeted the shrine of Shah Charagh in Shiraz, in the south of the country.

The News Agency, “IRNA”, said that the shrine of Shah Charagh in the city of Shiraz, the center of Fars province, in the south of the country, was subjected to a terrorist attack on Sunday evening, during which 4 people were wounded.

The official Agency added, quoting shrine officials, that 4 people, two from the shrine service and two visitors, were wounded in the shooting.

The Agency stated that the condition of the injured is very critical, and there are reports of the death of the two servants.

For its part, local media reported that at least one person was killed in the terrorist attack that targeted the religious shrine, in addition to the injury of 7 others.

An RT correspondent reported that two terrorists tried to storm the shrine of Shah Charagh in Shiraz, but they were unable to enter the courtyard of the shrine, and they encountered armed confrontations with the security forces.

The official and caretaker of the shrine of Shah Charagh confirmed that the security forces arrested one of the perpetrators of the attack and are searching for another who fled.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Iranian media said today, Sunday, that a person was killed in a terrorist attack targeting the shrine of Shah Charag in Shiraz, in the south of the country.

An RT correspondent reported that two terrorists tried to storm the shrine of Shah Charag in Shiraz, but they were unable to enter the courtyard of the shrine, and they encountered armed confrontations with the security forces.

It was mentioned that the Governor of the city of Shiraz stated that the terrorist incident left one person dead and at least 5 others injured.

The official and caretaker of the shrine of Shah Chrag confirmed that the security forces arrested one of the perpetrators of the attack and were searching for another who fled.

She pointed out that the gunmen were unable to enter the courtyard of the religious shrine.

It also mentioned that the authorities closed the doors of the shrine, confirming that the area around it is under control.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The security forces arrested two suspects and seized three vehicles intended for smuggling oil and its derivatives in Karbala and Najaf.

A statement by the Ministry of Interior stated that the detachments of the Sixth Brigade in the Holy Karbala and Najaf governorates arrested two suspects, and seized three vehicles intended for smuggling oil and its derivatives with multiple violations.

He added that the vehicles were confiscated and the accused were placed in detention in preparation for completing the investigation papers and presenting them to the competent judiciary in accordance with Law No. 41 of 2008 on combating smuggling of oil and its derivatives.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency