Day: March 7, 2024

Ramallah: Israeli occupation forces conducted a series of raids and incursions across the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, resulting in the arrest of 40 Palestinians, including four women, during operations spanning yesterday evening and Thursday.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Society, the arrests unfolded in multiple locations including Ramallah, Tubas, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and occupied Jerusalem.

The detained individuals were subsequently transferred to the custody of occupation security services for interrogation, and accused of alleged involvement in acts of armed resistance.

The incursions primarily targeted refugee camps, with Israeli forces penetrating numerous homes throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Residents endured intrusive searches and disruption as their properties were ransacked, with many subjected to lengthy detentions for questioning, along with clashes erupting in some areas as local residents confronted the invading forces.

Source: Jordan News Age
ncy

Gaza: The toll of Palestinian journalists killed since the outset of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7 has surged to 127, as announced by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.

The Syndicate’s Freedoms Committee, in a statement released on Thursday, highlighted the relentless and systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli occupation regime. They characterized these actions as part of the wider framework of atrocities perpetrated against the Palestinian people.

The month of February bore witness to a harrowing escalation of crimes, with attacks and violations against journalists intensifying. Eleven journalists fell victim to these assaults, with ten casualties recorded in Gaza and one in the West Bank.

Of particular concern are the instances of severe bodily harm inflicted on journalists, with seven cases reported involving injuries so grievous that amputations became necessary. These injuries were inflicted by drones and explosives laden with gunpowder, a method inc
reasingly favored by the occupation forces in their deliberate targeting of journalists in the field.

The Syndicate’s statement further elucidated the ongoing campaign of repression, notably in the West Bank, where the authorities have continued their series of arrests targeting journalists. Five journalists have been detained, their professional equipment including cameras, mobile phones, protective shields, and helmets confiscated.

In addition to arrests, journalists face a barrage of suppression tactics by the occupation forces, including detention of crews and severe physical abuse, it added. February alone witnessed ten incidents of journalists being prevented from carrying out their work, alongside nine cases of brutal beatings. Furthermore, four journalists suffered from suffocation due to the targeting with tear gas bombs.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Royal Hashemite Documentation Center (RHDC) unveiled a significant document showcasing the appointment of the first female minister in the Kingdom, marking a historic milestone that bolsters the participation of women in political affairs.

In a statement released on Thursday, the RHDC elucidated that the document exhibits the Royal Decree issued by the Basman Palace, wherein His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal entrusted the formation of a new government to Abdul Hamid Sharaf.

Notably, among the ministers appointed during that period was Inaam Al-Mufti, who became the first female minister in the Kingdom’s history.

Additionally, the Center emphasized that this appointment serves as a royal message affirming the significance of women’s role in governance and development. It reflects Jordan’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s participation across all domains.

Notably, the Royal Decree appointing the first female minister was issued in 1979 following the resign
ation of the former Prime Minister. This decision was a part of Jordan’s broader endeavors to construct a more advanced and inclusive society.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Social Security Corporation (SSC) disclosed that the count of active insured women has surged to approximately 435,664, encompassing 31,812 voluntary contributors.

Additionally, the number of women beneficiaries receiving pension salaries stands at 52,098, with 125,099 heirs entitled to a share of various types of pensions.

In a statement released on Thursday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8, the SSC underscored its commitment to providing substantial support and attention to women, ensuring the continuity of their work, and fostering their participation in economic activities. This commitment is manifested through the provision of a conducive and woman-friendly work environment and safeguarding their full labor rights, including access to social security to mitigate the risk of poverty and facilitate their contribution to the developmental process alongside men.

The SSC lauded the substantial contributions and achievements of Jordanian women across diverse
spheres, highlighting the pivotal role of social security in safeguarding and economically empowering female workers. It reiterated its call for female workers to inquire about their entitlement to social security upon entering the labor market, emphasizing inclusion under the social security umbrella based on real wages and total periods of work.

Moreover, the SSC outlined the significant milestones achieved in maternity insurance, with 104,067 disbursements of maternity insurance allowance since its inception on September 1, 2011. Notably, 73,319 insured women have benefited cumulatively, with a total disbursement exceeding JD114.356 million.

Amendments to the social security law have further bolstered social protection for women in the private sector, expanding conditions for entitlement to maternity leave allowance, thereby enhancing the welfare of working mothers, said the statement.

Furthermore, the SSC highlighted the robust social protection framework underpinning maternity insurance, with 20,159 i
nsured women currently benefiting from newborn care allowances. This includes 18,434 beneficiaries of home care allowances and 2,121 recipients of care allowances through nurseries, totaling more than JD3.170 million in costs.

The Corporation reiterated its steadfast commitment to combating insurance evasion and promoting awareness of social protection among female workers across all economic sectors. By ensuring the continuity of their work and bolstering their economic participation, the SSC remains dedicated to advancing the welfare and empowerment of women in Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs, Rafiq Khirfan, and Operations Director of the International Relief Agency in Jordan (UNRWA), Olaf Becker, discussed the impact of the financial crisis on Palestinian refugees.

In a statement released Thursday, the department highlighted talks on major challenges facing the agency’s operations, forthcoming projects in refugee camps, and various issues concerning its work in the Kingdom, emphasizing collaboration between both entities.

Both parties underscored UNRWA’s vital role for Palestinian refugees, particularly those in Gaza, emphasizing that halting funding would impede crucial humanitarian aid provision.

Khirfan commended UNRWA’s service efforts despite operational hurdles, while Baker thanked the Jordanian government for its ongoing support of UNRWA.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) announced a competition to pick the best project in the cybersecurity field for Jordanian university students.

In a statement to “Petra” on Thursday, the NCSC said the applicants’ projects will be displayed during a special exhibition during Cybersecurity Summit scheduled to be held next September.

The center added that the competition is open to all university graduation projects in the cybersecurity fields.

Interested applicants can participate until next April 20, via email: Info.cyber@ncsc.jo, and the center will receive and sort out cyber projects according to specific contest-based criteria, the statement pointed out.

Source: Jordan News Agency