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JSO records 3.3-magnitude earthquake in Al Karamah

By - Dec 30,2024 - Last updated at Dec 30,2024

A man using his rifle to test the depth of a crack caused by the 1927 earthquake (Photo courtesy of CBRL Amman Institute)

AMMAN — The Jordan Seismological Observatory (JSO) on Monday recorded a 3.3 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale in Al Karamah area, northwest of the Dead Sea. 

According to the observatory, the earthquake occurred at 1:30 pm at a depth of six kilometres. No reports have been received of anyone feeling the tremor, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Jordan is located along the Syrian-African fault line, which runs along the western border, and is a part of the Great Rift Valley. The valley is approximately 6,000 kilometres in length, and stretches from Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley in Asia, to Mozambique in south-eastern Africa.

Over the past 100 years, Jordan has witnessed two strong earthquakes: The first was in 1927 in Jericho, Palestine, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale. The second was in 1995 in Aqaba, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, according to JSO.

The JSO has recorded 419 seismic activities in the first half of 2024, including 92 local tremors across the Kingdom and its neighbouring border regions, according to a recent report by the observatory. 

The report indicated that local earthquakes were concentrated in Wadi Araba with 13 earthquakes, the Jordan Valley with 39 earthquakes, and Karmel, Tiberias, and neighbouring border areas with 39 earthquakes.

Local tremors in the Dead Sea in the January-June period of 2024 totalled 24 earthquakes, the Gulf of Aqaba and southern border regions 14 earthquakes, Sarhan with one earthquake, and Zarqa with one earthquake.

The JSO, established in 1983 and located within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Amman, monitors seismic activity in Jordan and neighbouring regions.

The observatory aims to assess earthquake risks and estimate potential damage from major earthquakes, ensuring preparedness and safety for the Kingdom.

KHCC conducts first brain tumour surgery using laser, robotics in Middle East

By - Dec 30,2024 - Last updated at Dec 30,2024

The surgery is carried out on a 57-year-old patient with lung cancer that had spread to the right side of the brain (Photo courtesy of KHCC)

AMMAN — A medical team from the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) performed the first specialised brain tumour surgery using a combined technique of laser thermal therapy, robotics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a minimally invasive procedure. 

The surgery was carried out on a 57-year-old patient with lung cancer that had spread to the right side of the brain. The patient was discharged on the third day after surgery, in good health, according to a KHCC statement.

KHCC Director General Asem Mansour said that this technique, provided by the centre, is the first of its kind outside the US and Western Europe, describing the successful completion of this "groundbreaking surgery as a significant global medical achievement, one that all Jordanians can be proud of."

He stressed that this accomplishment reflects the centre's commitment to keeping pace with the latest advancements in cancer treatment and providing "exceptional and pioneering" care for cancer patients in Jordan and the region. 

Mansour also praised the expertise of the medical team involved and expressed his happiness with the patient’s return to normal life.

Head of the Brain and Nerve Tumour Surgery Department at KHCC Mouness Obeidat noted that this technique is one of the latest global innovations in brain tumour treatment. 

Obeidat pointed out that the technique uses robotic surgery combined with laser-guided technology, supported by MRI. This approach allows surgeons to perform complex surgeries with greater precision in removing brain tumours in patients for whom traditional surgery is not possible due to the type or location of the tumour. 

He added that it is a minimally invasive procedure, requiring only a small stitch that heals automatically in a short time. As a result, patients can recover and leave the hospital within 24 hours.

Obeidat noted that the procedure begins with a very small hole in the patient’s head, through which a precise robotic arm is inserted and directed toward the tumour. 

The patient is then transferred to an MRI machine located in the same operating room, assisting in precise tumour guidance, where the laser is then activated, and a map of the tumour is created for accurate tracking, he added.

Obeidat expected that 12 patients will benefit from this technique annually, a number comparable to similar cancer treatment centres, particularly brain tumour surgery centres in Europe.

 

Prince Hassan receives members of national taekwondo team

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

Prince Hassan praises the "remarkable" achievements of Jordanian Taekwondo, highlighting its growing international stature and the significant progress made by its athletes (Petra photo)

AMMAN — HRH Prince Hassan on Saturday received members of the Jordanian national taekwondo team, in the presence of HRH Prince Rashid, president of the Jordan Taekwondo Federation, and HRH Princess Zeina Rashid, first vice president of the federation.

Prince Hassan praised the "remarkable" achievements of Jordanian Taekwondo, highlighting its growing international stature and the significant progress made by its athletes, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

He congratulated the team members on their outstanding achievements and celebrated their contributions to the sport.

During the meeting, Prince Hassan honoured Coach Fares Assaf and Zaid Mustafa, who won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, acknowledging their dedication and success.

The prince also paid tribute to retired athlete Juliana Sadiq for her distinguished career.

 

UNRWA launches $27.2 million Emergency Appeal for 2025, warns of 'service collapse'

Relief agency says Jordan’s economic strain deepens amid refugee influx, UNRWA funding shortfall

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

UNRWA sanitation labourers carry out pest control spraying in Jerash camp, also known as ‘Gaza Camp’ due to the large numbers of refugees from the Gaza Strip who were accommodated here following the 1967 war, Jerash camp, Jordan (Photo courtesy of UNRWA)

AMMAN — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has announced a $27.2 million Emergency Appeal for 2025.

This funding is set to provide vital assistance to Palestine refugees in Jordan, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as refugees from Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, as well as ex-Gazans without Jordanian documents. 

According to UNRWA, the allocated funds will support multi-purpose cash assistance, emergency healthcare, specialized education, and protection services, targeting those most in need amidst growing challenges.

The financial assistance comes at a crucial time as over two-thirds of Palestine refugees in Jordan, who are by the end of November 2024 reached in Jordan 20,324 PRS across 5,452 families, live below the poverty line, the relief agency said in a report published on its website. 

 For 69 per cent of Palestinian refugees coming from Syrian to Jordan, UNRWA said it remains their primary source of income, adding that limited access to legal employment remains a major challenge, with around 10 per cent of them unable to obtain work permits due to documentation issues, leaving many dependent on aid.

In camps like Garden Camp, restricted movement and reliance on cash assistance define the lives of many refugees, it said. 

"Jordan’s challenges extend beyond refugee issues, with the country grappling with the economic repercussions of regional conflicts and environmental stressors," the report said.  

 

Meanwhile, Jordan continues to face its own challenges, including the economic fallout of regional conflicts and climate-induced stress on its limited natural resources. The Gaza conflict, along with hostilities in Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, has disrupted trade and tourism, key sectors of Jordan’s economy since late 2023. 

The agency said that Jordan’s scarce natural resources, exacerbated by climate change, further strain the economy, compounding the difficulties faced by refugees and host communities alike.

The recent influx of refugees fleeing violence in Gaza has further strained resources, the organisation said.

UNRWA has been reporting severe budget deficit. Sweden, historically one of its largest donors, has recently ended its funding, exacerbating the agency’s budget shortfall. This comes alongside reduced contributions to Jordan’s Syria Crisis Response Plan. 

The Israeli Knesset [parliament] has approved draft laws aimed at restricting UNRWA’s operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. This move has raised concerns about the Agency’s ability to continue providing education, healthcare, and other vital services to millions of Palestinians.

 UNRWA officials have warned that these combined challenges could lead to a collapse of its services, with dire consequences for refugees and regional stability. Jordan has repeatedly called for greater international support to address the worsening situation. 

Jordan has underlined its commitment to supporting UNRWA, underlining the agency’s critical role in maintaining stability in the region.

UNOPS, JICA complete water programme in support of host communities in Irbid

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

More than 90,000 people in host communities of Syrian refugees in Sarieh and Hawwarah districts have better access to water supply (Photo courtesy of UNOPS)

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the Embassy of Japan in Jordan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNOPS marked the completion of the “Programme for Urgent Improvement of Water Sector for the Host Communities of Syrian Refugees in Northern Governorates in Jordan (Phase 2)". 

The $21.6-million grant aid programme funded by JICA, which aimed at improving the quality of and access to water supply services, rehabilitated approximately 250 kilometres of water networks, according to a UNOPS statement.

The project also relocated 4,400 house connections to the new network, benefitting over 90,000 people in the host communities of Syrian refugees in Sarieh and Hawwarah districts in Irbid.  

Ambassador of Japan to Jordan Okuyama Jiro said: “I am pleased to announce the successful completion of the water infrastructure improvement project in Irbid Governorate, implemented through cooperation between JICA and UNOPS, supported by Japan’s grant aid."

He added that Jordan is the second most water-scarce country globally, and the rapid influx of Syrian refugees has significantly strained its limited water resources.

“Japan is pleased to share its expertise in water resource management and significant progress has been made in enhancing the region’s water sector. This project reflects the partnership that Japan and Jordan have enjoyed over the years. The government of Japan remains committed to further supporting Jordan’s stability and development alongside the Government of Jordan, the ambassador said.

Chief Representative of JICA Jordan Office Shingo Morihata said: “After the huge influx of Syrian refugees to Jordan, JICA started the formulation of Master Plan, based on which JICA has conducted two phases of grant aid project, in order to support the improvement of water distribution and reduction of Non Revenue Water (NRW) in Hawwarah and Sarieh districts of Irbid City." 

He added: "We hope that improving water distribution and promoting efficient water resource management in Jordan contribute to the development and prosperity of the country and its people."

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government of and JICA for providing assistance to water and sanitation projects in Jordan. 

Abul Saud said: “The projects that have been implemented in the water sector, especially in the northern governorates that host large number of refugees, with the support from Japan, contributed to improving water supply efficiency, reducing water losses and improving access to water for residents and host communities of Syrian refugees."

Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman Muhammad Usman Akram said: “UNOPS is proud of our collaboration with the government of Japan, JICA, and the government of Jordan. The role of our national partners has been instrumental in the successful completion of this programme."

"Our collective efforts have contributed to enhancing accessibility to water services for both Jordanian residents and Syrian refugees in Irbid governorate, in an effort to address Jordan’s critical water challenges and priorities while accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for a better future for all," Akram added.

 

Excavations at Khirbet 'Aujah Foqa shed light on late Iron Age, Mamluk-Ottoman occupations

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

The Iron Age site of Khirbet Auja Foqa, located some 12 km northwest of Jericho (Photo courtesy of JVEP)

AMMAN — Khirbet 'Aujah Foqa is a site located some 11 km northwest of Jericho and covers the area of 15-dunnum.

Professor of History and Religion from Averrett University Ralph Hawkins worked in 2020 on the northern side of the site. Below the area on the northern slopes, a series of "support" walls or structures can be seen on the surface. Lower on the northern slope, scholars found a structure that may have been an outer tower guarding this pathway, delimited by a straight wall along the slope.

"On the eastern side, a straight wall can be seen running down the slope, while a transverse support wall was cleaned above the wall in 2020.Here, the area to the southern, inner side of the casemate wall was excavated, and at least one structure was found," the professor said. 

"So far, about 10 excavation squares have been excavated. This excavation will also clarify whether the casemate wall was generally freestanding, as in the case of the section excavated in Area A, or whether additional structures were connected to or combined with it," Hawkins underscored.

This late, roughly rounded structure (probably Mamluk-Ottoman in date) was built using medium-sized stones, mostly robbed from earlier structures. It is 7.5 metres in diameter, with an inner floor area of 4–5 metres wide. Its entrance was on its northern side, while its southern side was attached to another rounded late structure. The finds on the floor level of the structure were mixed with those from modern squatters, Hawkins said.

"Structure 15 was dismantled during the 2021 season, enabling the excavation of Building 1042 to be completed. However, this structure seems to be part of a larger complex. Building 1042 contains six rooms," said Hawkins, adding that the building's entrance may have been in its south-western corner, although this is not yet clear. 

According to the professor, a possible additional entrance was from the north, where an open area was excavated; however, the wall found there was poorly preserved. The building measures about 10×9.5 m. 

The rooms are of different sizes, and their floors, usually on bedrock, slope from south to north, and were usually either on bedrock or a mud plaster layer that levelled the bedrock in some areas, he added. 

"The function and nature of Building 1042 is yet to be determined. It is unclear whether it is a domestic structure, part of a storage-related administrative complex, or some combination of the two. The general outline of the house plan may resemble that of a four-room house, common during the Iron Age in the southern Levant," Hawkins speculated.

Yet, it is not clear whether the central area is an open area or a columned courtyard, as in many houses of this kind, the professor said. 

The finds from the structure thus far may suggest storage (numerous jars) and cooking (several tabun ovens and cooking pots); this combination could fit a large house or some sort of military barracks where food was stored and cooked for groups of people, Hawkins speculated, adding that this may be surmised from the multiplicity of tabuns in this area.

Meanwhile, a large amount of pottery has been recovered, especially from some of the casemate spaces in Area A and Structure 1042 in Area B. Rooms A and C in Structure 1042 contained over 20 complete vessels, some currently still in reconstruction, said Hawkins, noting that these include storage jars of the typical "hippo" type, cooking pots, a chalice, and a jug and juglets. 

"So far, only the pottery from Area A has been fully reconstructed, including kraters, cooking pots, storage jars, a spouted jar/amphora, amphoriskoi, and jugs and juglets. Because the pottery has not yet been fully restored and analysed, a more detailed discussion of the pottery will be published separately," Hawkins underscored.

Representative vessels, mainly from the casemate area, indicate forms that appear mostly during the late Iron Age IIA and early Iron Age IIB (the 9th and early 8th centuries BCE), with most parallels probably coming from northern sites, the professor concluded.

 

National economy demonstrates resilience thanks to Royal support, clear economic vision

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

Economic experts say that the national economy has maintained stability and resilience during 2024 despite regional instability, bolstered by Royal efforts, a clear economic vision, and prudent fiscal and monetary policies (JT file)

AMMAN — The national economy has maintained stability and resilience during 2024 despite regional instability, bolstered by Royal efforts, a clear economic vision, and prudent fiscal and monetary policies, according to economic experts.

They noted that this year witnessed "relentless" efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to strengthen the national economy's resilience, shield economic sectors from the repercussions of rising regional tensions, and advance the implementation of the Economic Modernisation Vision through genuine public-private sector partnership.

The national economy received support from international institutions, reflecting the Kingdom's high credibility in fulfilling its commitments and implementing structural reforms, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

This enhanced international market and donor confidence, resulting in an improved credit rating for the country and the successful completion of the second review of the financial and economic reform programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Economic matters remained a priority for His Majesty King Abdullah in 2024, both locally and internationally. 

His Majesty held numerous meetings with local and international economic stakeholders, focusing on promoting investments, fostering economic growth, and leveraging the Kingdom's strategic location, free trade agreements, and skilled human resources.

Key Economic Indicators and Achievements

Mohammad Qaryouti, investment and business consultant and member of the Jordanian Economic Forum, highlighted that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty, has relied on the collective efforts of public and private institutions, as well as the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) and security apparatus, to ensure stability and security.

Qaryouti noted that the assets of Jordan’s 20 banks reached JD70 billion, nearly 200 per cent of the GDP, which stands at JD37 billion.

Deposits amounted to JD46 billion, reflecting Jordanians’ confidence in their economy and financial system.

He also pointed to the financial inclusion rate surpassing 45 per cent, while the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) foreign currency reserves reached approximately $21 billion, covering over eight months of imports—among the highest global ratios. 

The dollarization rate dropped below 17 per cent, indicating significant trust in the Jordanian dinar and its purchasing power.

Jordan maintained moderate economic growth rates despite global challenges over the past four years, with a projected growth rate of 2.5 per cent for next year. 

Inflation remained stable, staying below 2 per cent, unlike fluctuations observed in major global economies.

Qaryouti emphasised Jordan’s success in expanding its international trade agreements, enabling total exports to grow by 6 per cent, national exports by 4 per cent, and re-exports by 30 per cent, while reducing the trade deficit by over 5 per cent.

Industrial production reached nearly JD20 billion, with continued growth in output across industrial sectors and expanded access to over 140 international markets.

Under His Majesty’s leadership, Jordan achieved self-sufficiency, ensuring no shortages in local markets, despite water scarcity challenges. Water supply remained uninterrupted across the Kingdom.

Economic Modernisation and Job Creation

Qaryouti noted the 2025 budget reflects the state's commitment to relying on domestic resources to address its deficit, aligning with the Economic Modernisation Vision, which aims to create more job opportunities and address unemployment challenges.

Director-General of the Jordanian Businessmen Association Tarek Hijazi highlighted His Majesty’s unwavering efforts to support economic reforms and foster a business-friendly environment.

Hijazi also emphasised the notable development in public-private sector relations, leading to collaborative initiatives that benefit the national economy. The private sector has increasingly contributed to innovation and productivity.

He pointed out the role of sound monetary policies in boosting investor confidence, creating a supportive investment climate, and improving key economic indicators.

Outlook for 2025

According to Hijazi, global interest rates are expected to decline further in 2025, following significant impacts on achieving economic modernisation priorities.

Economic improvements began under the current government through stimulus measures targeting trade, service, and industrial sectors. 

The CBJ maintained the dinar’s purchasing power, supported monetary stability, and stimulated economic growth by reducing interest rates three times in 2024, totalling 100 basis points.

Jordan’s credit rating saw notable improvements in 2024, reflecting growing confidence in its robust and stable economy, its resilience to regional and international challenges, and the impact of economic reforms.

Several agreements were signed with friendly and neighbouring countries, and numerous economic and developmental projects were inaugurated across the Kingdom.

 

Jordan condolences Korea following plane crash

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

Jordan on Sunday extends its condolences to the government and people of Korea following the plane crash at Muan International Airport, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries (JT file)

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday extended its condolences to the government and people of Korea following the plane crash at Muan International Airport, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

Sufian Qudah, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressed the Kingdom's solidarity with Korea at this difficult time, according to a ministry statement. 

He conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

A Jeju Air plane flying from Bangkok to South Korea with 181 people on board crashed on landing Sunday, killing 179 with just two people — both flight attendants — plucked alive from the wreckage, according to AFP.

A bird strike was cited by authorities as the likely cause of the crash — the worst ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil — which flung passengers out of the plane and left it "almost completely destroyed", according to fire officials.

Video showed the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 landing on its belly at Muan International Airport, skidding off the runway as smoke streamed out from the engines, before crashing into a wall and exploding in flames.

 

 

KSrelief, JHCO launch 'Kanaf 3' project to support vulnerable families ahead of winter

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in partnership with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), launches the "Kanaf 3" project for the third consecutive year (Petra photo)

AMMAN — The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in partnership with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), has launched the "Kanaf 3" project for the third consecutive year. 

The initiative aims to deliver high-impact humanitarian aid to improve the lives of families in need, particularly as winter approaches and its challenges intensify, according to JHCO statement. 

JHCO said that the project is focused on supporting disadvantaged Jordanian families and the most vulnerable refugee communities by distributing vouchers for winter clothing, to help alleviate the financial burden of the season and assist families in navigating harsh winter conditions.

Director of the KSrelief branch in Jordan Naif Bin Saleh Shammari reiterated the centre's dedication to addressing the essential needs of vulnerable families. 

He noted that the project aims to provide winter clothing to Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, as well as to host communities across all governorates. 

The initiative is guided by thorough planning and field studies to ensure it meets the actual needs of those most in need, the statement added. 

JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with KSrelief, emphasising how initiatives like the "Kanaf" project contribute to meaningful humanitarian support.

 

Cassation Court upholds 4-year sentence for drug dealer

By - Dec 29,2024 - Last updated at Dec 29,2024

File photo

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld an April State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a man to four years for selling illegal narcotics to an undercover agent for JD10 in Amman in October of last year.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on October  4.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD4,000 and the prison term to four years to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and sent one of its agents to pose as a buyer.

“The AND agent got in touch with the defendant and asked him for four Captagon pills in return for JD10,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediately arrested the suspect, court papers added.

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

The lawyer argued that “there were investigation irregularities”.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Khashashneh, Qassem Dughmi and Hammad Ghzawi.

 

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