Local

AMMAN — Jordan's land border crossings, both for the local market and in transit to Syria and Lebanon, are witnessing a "significant and unprecedented" increase in truck traffic, Head of the Association of Owners of Clearance and Transport Companies Deifallah Abu Aqouleh said on Saturday.

Abu Aqoula referred to the "considerable" efforts made by the customs authorities at the border centres to manage the surge in trucks entering the Kingdom, noting that additional staff and operational teams have been deployed to streamline the process and facilitate the speedy passage of trucks, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Working hours have been extended to ensure the timely completion of customs procedures, he added.

According to Abu Aqoula, 25,010 trucks have entered the Kingdom through the Al Omari border crossing since the beginning of 2025, marking a significant increase from 22,874 trucks during the same period last year.

Also, 23,915 trucks left the border crossing during the same period, compared to 21,804 trucks in 2024, he pointed out.

At the Jaber border crossing, which connects Jordan to Syria, 12,760 trucks entered the Kingdom since the beginning of 2025, recording a "sharp" increase from just 3,448 trucks during the same period in 2024, Abu Aqoula said.

Also, 13,446 trucks left the Jaber border crossing, compared to 3,548 trucks in 2024, he noted.

Abu Aqoula expected truck traffic to continue to increase, especially with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.

AMMAN — Minister of Public Works and Housing Ahmad Abul Samen on Saturday conducted an inspection tour to check on several projects being implemented by the ministry in the capital and Balqa governorates.

During a field tour, Abul Samen reviewed the progress of work on the rehabilitation project for the groundwater and surface water drainage system on the Dead Sea-Adasiya Road, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He also announced the commencement of work on a project to construct three emergency runway ramps for traffic heading towards the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

The project aims to enhance road safety by adding an extra lane to the main road to guide trucks before the runway ramp, along with excavation, filling, sand and gravel layering, and the construction of necessary retaining walls.

Protective barriers will also be installed to isolate the ramps from the adjacent roadway.

The construction of these ramps is a "pressing" necessity due to recurring accidents caused by vehicle overturning and loss of control on this road.

The project, with a budget of JD930,000 and a timeline of three months, is expected to provide safe stopping spaces for trucks and help prevent future accidents.

During his tour, Abul Samen listened to a briefing from officials on the project's progress and key challenges.

He called on relevant teams to accelerate work to complete the project on schedule, particularly given the road’s importance ahead of the local tourism season.

This route serves as a vital link between the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Amman.

The estimated cost of the project stands at some JD1 million, with a total execution period of 120 working days. Work commenced on November 10, and 55 per cent of the project has been completed so far.

AMMAN — Four people from one family, a couple and their two children, have died from inhaling gas heater emissions inside their house in Dahr Al Saru neighbourhood in Jerash Governorate, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) said on Saturday.

The PSD spokesperson said that the governorate's ambulance staff evacuated the bodies to Jerash Governmental Hospital on Saturday morning, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The PSD renewed calls on citizens to use heating methods of all kinds "safely and properly," not to sleep with heaters on and ventilate the house adequately.

In December, the Civil Defence Department urged the public to use heaters safely during the winter season, warning that improper use could lead to significant risks to both lives and property.

The PSD at the time said that there had been a noticeable decrease in heater-related incidents in 2024 compared with previous years, which officials attribute to increased public awareness.

Key recommendations from the PSD include inspecting and maintaining heaters, refraining from refuelling while heaters are on, avoiding the use of heaters for cooking or heating water, and never leaving heaters on while sleeping.

Proper ventilation should be ensured, and the hose connecting the heater to the gas cylinder should be checked, the PSD said, adding that heaters should be placed away from curtains and furniture, and high-quality extension cords should be used for electrical connections, with wires carefully checked for damage.

AMMAN/ BEIRUT — The Foreign Ministry condemned on Saturday the attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy on the Rafic Hariri International Airport road in Beirut, describing it as a “blatant” violation of international law.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah underlined the importance ensuring the security of UN forces in Lebanon.

He reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation and rejection of the targeting of UN peacekeepers who, he said, plays a crucial role in maintaining Lebanon’s security and stability in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

Qudah also expressed Jordan’s full solidarity with the government of Lebanon in preserving security and stability, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

Lebanese authorities said Saturday that more than 25 people had been arrested following an attack on a United Nations convoy the day before that wounded two peacekeepers, including the force's outgoing deputy commander.

UN and Lebanese officials have condemned Friday's attack, which came as HIzbollah supporters for a second night blocked the road to the country's only international airport over a decision barring two Iranian planes from landing there.

"More than 25 people have been arrested by Lebanese army intelligence", with another person detained by the security services, Interior Minister Ahmad Al Hajjar told reporters after an emergency security meeting Saturday, AFP reported.

"This does not mean these detainees carried out the attack... but the investigations will show who is responsible," he said.

The army and security agencies would bolster measures to "maintain security and stability", Hajjar added, and violations would be treated "with all seriousness".

UNIFIL has demanded an investigation after one of its vehicles was set on fire during the incident, which wounded outgoing deputy force commander Chok Bahadur Dhakal, a Nepalese national who was heading home after ending his mission.

UNIFIL deputy spokesperson Kandice Ardiel told AFP a second Nepalese peacekeeper was also wounded and hospitalised.

President Joseph Aoun vowed "the attackers will receive their punishment", and said "security forces will not be lenient with any party that tries to upset stability and civil peace", according to a statement from the presidency on X.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the "criminal attack" and promised to arrest the perpetrators during a conversation with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Commander General Aroldo Lazaro.

 'Civil peace' 

In a meeting with Hajjar on Saturday, Salam emphasised the importance of maintaining security across the country, a statement from his office said. The premier was set to meet other "relevant ministers" later in the day.

The presidency's statement said Aoun had stressed that the incident "cannot be allowed to be repeated", adding that the judiciary "has begun investigations on the ground".

The army said Friday that several areas around the airport had seen "demonstrations marked by acts of vandalism and clashes, including assaults on members of the armed forces and attacks against vehicles".

Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators, some hooded and carrying Hizbollah flags, attacking a man in military garb and another in civilian clothes near the torched UNIFIL vehicle.

It remains unclear who was responsible for the attack.

There was no immediate official comment from Hizbollah, but its television channel Al-Manar late Friday blamed unidentified "masked men".

It said the protesters expressed "their rejection of the attack on the UNIFIL convoy", adding their goal was "to secure the return of citizens stuck in Iran".

The group's ally the Amal movement, led by powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri, said "the attack on UNIFIL is an attack on south Lebanon" and that "blocking roads anywhere is an assault on civil peace".

'Absolutely unacceptable' 

Several countries have condemned the incident, as did UN chief Antonio Guterres.

"Such attacks are absolutely unacceptable... The safety and security of UN personnel and property must be respected at all times," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement.

"Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law... and may constitute war crimes," the statement said, adding that "UNIFIL must be allowed unrestricted freedom of movement throughout Lebanon".

Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said Thursday it had "temporarily rescheduled" some flights, including from Iran, until February 18 as it was implementing "additional security measures".

The date coincides with the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon and for Hezbollah to vacate positions there, under a ceasefire deal that began on November 27.

AMMAN — Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday met with more than 1,500 dignitaries and residents from East and South Amman, who expressed their loyalty and support for His Majesty King Abdullah and his national and regional efforts amid the challenges facing the region.

Issawi conveyed His Majesty’s greetings and appreciation to the attendees and all Jordanians, highlighting their steadfastness and resilience, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

At the beginning of the meeting, Issawi reiterated Jordan’s unwavering stance, under its Hashemite leadership, in defending its interests, supporting Arab nations, and standing by just causes, mainly the Palestinian cause.

He stressed that Jordan’s policies are guided by "wisdom, moderation, and joint Arab cooperation."

Issawi said that Jordan’s international and regional actions are based on principled and ethical foundations, with national interests as the top priority.

Issawi, in the presence of His Majesty's Adviser for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi, stressed Jordan’s vital regional and international role, particularly concerning the Palestinian cause, which remains a core priority for the Kingdom. 

He reiterated King Abdullah's firm stance that resolving the Palestinian issue requires a just and comprehensive peace, which is essential for regional stability. 

Issawi highlighted His Majesty’s resolute positions in confronting Israeli aggression on Gaza.

He underscored the King’s unprecedented global diplomatic efforts, from issuing continuous warnings about the humanitarian crisis caused by the war to working towards stopping the bombardment and protecting civilians. 

These efforts, Issawi said, align with King Abdullah’s unwavering vision that rejects any attempts to impose new realities on the ground or liquidate the Palestinian cause, as well as any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land. 

He also referenced the significant meeting between His Majesty and US President Donald Trump, during which the King reiterated Jordan’s steadfast stance on regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.

He stressed that Jordan’s support for the Palestinian cause is not a temporary position but rather a "deep-rooted historical commitment based on firm principles."

Issawi urged national unity in safeguarding Jordan’s interests, recalling that the Kingdom has always been an active player in shaping regional developments and will continue to be so, thanks to its national cohesion and wise Hashemite leadership. 

He commended the Jordanian people for their "profound" display of solidarity with their leadership, as seen in the welcome extended to His Majesty upon his return from the US, a demonstration of their enduring support for the King and the Hashemite leadership throughout history. 

Issawi also praised the efforts of Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein in supporting His Majesty’s initiatives. 

He further lauded the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) and security agencies for their dedication in safeguarding the nation, and making sacrifices in defence of Jordan, its leadership and people. 

For his part, Senator Nidal Hadid, head of the delegation, reiterated Jordanians’ unwavering support for His Majesty and his leadership. 

He stressed that all Jordanians stand firmly behind the King’s rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians under any pretext. 

Speakers at the event expressed "deep" pride in their wise Hashemite leadership, which strives to advance Jordan’s prosperity while steadfastly defending Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian issue.

AMMAN — A French delegation on Saturday visited Aqaba as part of a comprehensive introductory programme about Jordanian tourism products, organised by the Jordan Tourism Board and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).

The visit aimed to enhance Jordan's position as a leading global tourist destination and highlight local expertise and promising investment opportunities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

It also improves Aqaba and Wadi Rum's status as a model for sustainable tourism development in the region.

During a meeting with the delegation, Deputy Chairman of ASEZA and Commissioner for Investment and Tourism Hamza Hajj Hassan emphasised the importance of Aqaba as an "integrated" tourist destination.

He highlighted the coastal city's diverse experiences and tourism products that attract the French market, which is considered one of the most significant sources of visitors to Aqaba and Jordan.

He added that ASEZA is targeting this market through specialised promotional and marketing campaigns, in addition to participating in international exhibitions and markets to promote Aqaba and Wadi Rum.

Hajj Hassan delivered a presentation of the city's current situation, future plans, and the incentives and investment opportunities offered by the authority to investors and businesspeople.

Investing in infrastructure and revitalising tourism projects are key pillars of the ASEZA's 2024-2028 strategy, which aims to transform Aqaba into a distinguished and competitive economic and tourist hub in the region, capable of attracting leading tourism markets, he said.

Delegation members, including several columnists, journalists, editors-in-chief, and news producers from the most prominent French print and broadcast media outlets, expressed their appreciation for the efforts made in developing the tourism sector.

They said that this visit would open new opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in investment and tourism.

The delegates also visited Wadi Rum, the Great Arab Revolt Square, the Sharif Hussein bin Ali's house, Aqaba Fort and Ayla Oasis.

AMMAN — Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi on Saturday met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

During the meeting, Safadi conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's greetings to Alimi and reiterated Jordan's unwavering support for the legitimate government of Yemen, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

He stressed the importance of preserving Yemen's security and stability and the need for a political solution to the crisis based on internationally recognised frameworks that uphold Yemen's sovereignty.

Discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional developments.

Alimi conveyed his greetings to King Abdullah and underlined the "deep-rooted" ties between Yemen and Jordan.

He also stressed the importance of continued coordination between the two countries.

AMMAN — The chief diplomat of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has criticised US President Donald Trump's plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and "take over" the war-torn Strip.

Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said one of the "key points" of what must happen in Gaza is "no deportations."

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony at the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See on Thursday, cardinal Parolin said that Palestinians must be allowed to remain on their territory. "No deportations, and this is one of the fundamental points.”

"Whoever was born and has lived in Gaza must remain on their land," the cardinal said, according to the Vatican's official news outlet.

Parolin reiterated the Vatican's long-standing call for a two-state solution to resolve the long-running Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

According to Vatican News, Parolin told reporters that "neighbouring countries are not willing [to take in refugees.]

Trump has said America will “take over” Gaza after resettling Palestinians elsewhere under a development plan to transform the war-torn coastal enclave into a waterfront resort property under US control.

Parolin's remarks came after Pope Francis issued an open letter to the US administration, in which he criticised its crackdown on immigrants.

The pope, who last month called Trump's plan to deport millions of migrants a "disgrace", said it was wrong to assume that all undocumented immigrants were criminals.

"What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly," he said in the open letter.