Day: 14 March 2024

Gaza: The Ministry of Health in Gaza said the toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression and massacres in the Gaza Strip since October 7 has risen to 31,341 dead and 73,134 injured.

It added in its daily statistical report for the 160th day of the aggression on Gaza that there are still many victims under the rubble and on the roads, as Israeli forces prevent ambulance and civil defense crews from reaching them.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: A total of 97 Jordanian companies, including 20 with female ownership or partnership, have inked agreements marking the first phase of the Export Acceleration Program for Goods, spearheaded by the Export House Company.

The Program, with a budget of JD5 million, is a component of the National Export Strategy, facilitated through the Industrial Support Fund, and embodies the essence of the Economic Modernization Vision.

Designed to empower 150 small and medium enterprises across various industrial sectors throughout the Kingdom, the program aims to equip participants with crucial insights into target markets, enhancing their export readiness and bolstering their competitive edge.

Structured into two phases, the program’s first stage entails securing financial backing amounting to JD2.4 million to facilitate the preparation of comprehensive market studies for targeted export markets. Eligible establishments must meet specific criteria to enroll in this phase.

The second phase will see the execution of
tailored export plans for 50 industrial facilities targeting identified markets, with a total allocation of JD2.6 million.

During the signing ceremony on Thursday, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yousef Shamali, emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to advancing the objectives of the Industrial Support Fund, aimed at fortifying the national industry, enhancing its competitiveness, and fostering export growth.

Shamali underscored the significant demand for the program, highlighting the eagerness of industrial stakeholders to capitalize on opportunities for expansion and development. He cited the proven success of similar export acceleration initiatives in various countries.

The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for private sector endeavors, grounded in the principles of genuine partnership. He expressed pride in the achievements of the national industry, whose products have penetrated over 140 countries worldwide.

Omar Qaryouti, CEO of
the Export House Company, emphasized that the program addresses a common challenge faced by many industrial firms: the absence of a well-defined export strategy.

He stated that 60 percent of the companies that submitted their applications targeted the Saudi and American markets, even though 49 percent of those companies are small in size, meaning they employ 24 or less workers.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Electronic Health Solutions (EHS) collaborated with the Charity Clothing Bank, an initiative of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, to organize a clothing donation campaign during Ramadan.

According to a press release on Thursday, EHS stated that the campaign was driven by social responsibility, aiming to assist needy Jordanian families and improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups in society by providing them with appropriate clothing.

EHS employees volunteered to collect, organize, and box the clothes at the company premises. The donations were then handed over to the Charity Clothing Bank, which ensured their authenticity and safety before distributing them to deserving families.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Ramallah: Israeli occupation forces carried out a series of arrests on Thursday, detaining 20 Palestinian individuals from various areas in the West Bank, including former prisoners.

According to statements from the Palestinian Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners Society, the arrests were predominantly concentrated in Hebron and Jericho, with additional apprehensions reported in Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. Reports indicate that the arrests were accompanied by instances of abuse, severe beatings, threats, and widespread acts of property destruction.

Since October 7, Israeli forces have detained approximately 7,585 Palestinian citizens from the West Bank. This figure encompasses individuals apprehended from their residences, at military checkpoints, those who surrendered under duress, and individuals taken into custody.

Furthermore, the statement highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees from Gaza, citing instances of enforced disappearance. Israe
li authorities refuse to disclose information regarding the fate and whereabouts of these detainees, despite calls from international and Palestinian human rights organizations for transparency.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Irbid: President of Yarmouk University (YU), Islam Massad, engaged in discussions with a delegation from the British Council on Thursday, exploring avenues to accredit YU as a designated center for conducting the IELTS exam in the northern region of Jordan.

Massad underscored the significance of this collaboration in alleviating the challenges encountered by students and local community members aspiring to undertake the exam. Under a forthcoming memorandum of understanding between the two entities, the university will assume responsibility for student registrations and facilitate computerized exam administration on campus, he added.

Advocating for an expanded partnership scope, Massad proposed incorporating preparatory lectures to equip students with essential exam-taking strategies. He also highlighted the potential for reducing exam application fees for university students.

The delegation affirmed the Council’s preparedness to conduct introductory lectures on the exam and extend complimentary access to t
he IELTS Counseling service for YU students seeking exam guidance.

Emphasizing the regional demand for the IELTS exam, a prerequisite for pursuing graduate studies and immigration processes, the delegation reiterated their commitment to meeting the needs of the northern region’s populace.

Source: Jordan News Agency

JERUSALEM: In a late-night assault today, Israeli occupation forces stormed into the Al-Qibli Mosque within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, assaulting worshippers and forcibly evacuating them.

Local sources reported that the Israeli police breached the sanctuary of the mosque, attacked the worshippers, and forcefully evicted them, preventing them from continuing their prayers until morning.

Simultaneously, Israeli police deployed extensively throughout the courtyards of the mosque, in an attempt to establish a new reality characterized by the constant presence of the Israeli occupation forces within the mosque’s premises.

Meantime, on the eve of the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, the occupation forces deployed heavily across the Old City of Jerusalem and erected metal barriers at the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, specifically at the King Faisal, Al-Ghawanmeh, and Al-Hadid gates.

The occupation forces further intensified their presence in the city’s neighborhoods. They also ti
ghtened their measures at the military checkpoints surrounding the city, in anticipation of the influx of a large number of worshippers from the occupied West Bank on the first Friday of Ramadan.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

RAMALLAH: President Mahmoud Abbas has issued a presidential decree asking Dr. Mohammad Mustafa to form the nineteenth Palestinian government.

This presidential decree asks Dr. Mustafa to form the new government within the stipulated timeframe outlined in the amended Basic Law of 2003 and its subsequent amendments.

Mustafa is a seasoned Palestinian economist, Chairman of the Board of the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), senior economic advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

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Following is the text of the presidential decree:

“In my powers as the President of the State of Palestine and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization,

Based on the provisions of the Basic Statute of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, and the provisions of the Amended Basic Law of 2003, and its amendments,

And by virtue of the powers granted to us, we assign you to form the nineteenth government within t
he period specified in the Amended Basic Law of 2003 and its amendments. I call upon you, as the Prime Minister-designate of the upcoming government to commit to the supreme interests of the Palestinian people, to preserve, protect, advance and elevate their achievements, and achieve their national goals as approved by the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the people, the Declaration of Independence, the decisions of the National Council, and the articles of the Basic Law. This commitment shall ensure the full exercise of powers enabling the government to perform the required tasks.

The priorities of the formed government shall include the following:

1. Leading, maximizing and coordinating the relief efforts in the Gaza Strip, and transitioning swiftly and effectively from the required humanitarian relief to economic recovery, and then organizing the reconstruction and rebuilding of what was destroyed by the machinery of war and aggression in both the southern and nort
hern governorates. These efforts should be part of a clear vision that sets the foundations for an institutionally independent State of Palestine with infrastructure and services.

2. Develop plans and implementation mechanisms for the reunification of institutions across the homeland’s governorates as a single geographical, political, national, and institutional unit.

3. Continuing the reform process in all institutional, security, economic, administrative and public finance fields, aiming for a robust and transparent governance system subject to accountability, combating corruption, and ensuring good governance, and the dignity and resilience of our citizens through improved service delivery in all sectors.

4. Providing all possible support to the judicial system and empowering it to ensure the rule of law, security for citizens, effective access to justice, guaranteeing their rights, strengthening the role of law enforcement agencies, and working with the relevant authorities to strengthen the judicial a
uthority and ensure its independence.

5. Advancing the process of building state institutions, and empowering all groups, especially Palestinian youth and women, respecting public freedoms, and strengthening partnership between different parties, including civil society institutions, organizations, popular and youth activities, and our people in diaspora and refugees’ camps.

6. Reinvigorating the national economy and investment, including better utilization of resources, rationalization of expenditures, enhancing service sectors, and infrastructure that regulates and stimulates the economy, in partnership with relevant national entities , particularly the private sector.

7. Strengthening the bonds of political, economic, and cultural relations and cooperation with brotherly Arab countries and friendly nations to ensure national resilience, sustainable development, prosperity, self-reliance, and the requirements of a decent and prosperous life for our people.

8. Strengthening the resilience of our people,
including continuing to defend the city of Jerusalem and its Christian and Islamic holy sites, and providing the means of resilience for citizens in marginalized areas facing the polices of occupation and colonization.

9. Working to promote a culture of partnership, dialogue, transparency, inclusiveness, and participation in decision-making among all components of society, ensuring public and private freedoms in accordance with the law, most notably freedom of opinion and expression.

10. Taking the necessary measures and preparations for holding legislative and presidential elections in the northern governorates, including East Jerusalem, and the southern governorates, as soon as possible in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant laws.

11. Ensuring freedom of operation for media within the framework of applicable laws and regulations that guarantee freedom of movement and media activities, access to information sources, and social media in accordance with the law.”

Source: Palestine News and Informat
ion Agency – WAFA

GAZA: The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has now soared to 31,341, medical sources confirmed on Wednesday.

They said that at least 73,134 other people have also been injured in the onslaught.

‘At least 69 people were killed and 110 others injured in Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours,’ they added.

‘Many victims are still trapped under rubble and on the roads and rescuers can’t reach them,’ the sources noted.

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Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

NABLUS: Israeli occupation forces Wednesday morning installed two iron gates on the main Huwara Street, south of Nablus, bringing the total number of gates installed in the same area to four since yesterday.

Local sources told WAFA that the occupation forces installed two iron gates early in the morning hours meters away from Salman Al Farsi roundabout, in the northern area of Huwara.

One gate was installed for the entrance to Huwara, and the second for the outside.

It is noteworthy that the occupation forces also installed two gates yesterday a few meters away from Salman Al-Farisi roundabout on the same street, and now there are four iron gates just a few meters apart.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

NABLUS: A group of Israeli colonists Thursday morning attacked a park in the town of Huwwara, south of Nablus.

Local sources reported to WAFA that a number of Yitzhar colonial settlers attacked the park this morning, fired bullets at its gate, and threatened in loud voices to fire bullets at anyone who tried to approach the place.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

NABLUS: Israeli occupation forces Thursday demolished two agricultural rooms and a water well in the town of Qabalan, south of Nablus.

The head of Qablan municipal council, Riad Amla, told WAFA that a number of occupation jeeps and a military bulldozer stormed the village this morning, and demolshed two agricultural rooms and a water well, owned by local residents Theeb Suleiman Najm and Khairy Issa Amla.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Authority stated today that 320 Palestinian detainees in the Israeli prison of Gilboa are currently ‘living in a deadly hell.’

The authority explained in a statement that the detainees are enduring a ‘deadly hell’ due to the racist Israeli policies and major changes that occurred after October 7th, which “turned Israeli prisons into real slaughterhouses, where torture and beatings in their worst forms are practiced.”

“This has resulted in dozens of executions among detainees from Gaza, the West Bank, and the 1948-occupied territories,” the authority said in a press statement.

The legal unit of the authority, which managed to visit detainee identified by his initials R.Y., a Palestinian from Tulkarm governorate who is sentenced to life imprisonment, conveyed horrific details of what he endured in the prison over the last few months.

He stated, “On October 8th, the prison was stormed in a provocative manner, we were tied up and all subjected to brutal beatings wi
th batons, helmets, and legs all over the body. They seized all our personal and public belongings, disregarded the health condition of sick detainees and the elderly. They have turned the prison rooms into cells, prevented us from going to the prison yard and smoking, and isolated us from the outside world.”

The detainee added in his testimony, “We have no clothes or blankets, and we are deprived of shaving machines, nail clippers, and cleaning materials. Sanctions and fines are imposed on us, organizational representation has been canceled, and we are rarely allowed to go to the prison clinic to get medication. The reality is harsher than anything we have experienced before.”

The authority warned of Israel’s continued punitive practices against Palestinian detainees, calling for breaking the silence in the face of organized crimes that reveal the true face of the Israeli occupation.

It emphasized that the international institutional absence in protecting Palestinian detainees is evidence of the subordina
tion that the international system has reached in the face of these human rights abuses by the Israeli occupation.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA