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AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday condemned the recent incursions by Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and their provocative, escalatory actions that violate the sanctity of the holy site. 

A  Foreign Ministry statement held Israel, as an occupying force, fully responsible for these violations, which take place under the protection of occupation forces.

Sufian Qudah, the ministry's spokesperson, reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of the violations of the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

He called on Israel to immediately cease all provocative actions by extremist settlers aimed at altering the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, warning of the consequences of such actions, which, he added, "are being encouraged by extremist ministers within the Israeli government."

Israel, as an occupying force, has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian shrines, Qudah said, reiterating that the entire area of Al Aqsa Mosque, covering 144 dunums, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. 

The Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through the Jerusalem Awqaf Administration, remains the sole legal authority responsible for managing the affairs of Al Haram Al Sharif and regulating access to it, he pointed out.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi received a phone call on Sunday from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which the two top diplomats discussed developments in Syria and the region.  

The two ministers also discussed efforts to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and address the resulting humanitarian catastrophe, a Foreign Ministry statement said. 

Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their country through an inclusive, Syrian-led political process.

He emphasized that this process should establish a new political system that safeguards the rights of all Syrians and preserves Syria’s unity, cohesion, sovereignty, security, and stability.  

He also warned of the consequences of the continued Israeli aggression on Gaza and stressed the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

 Safadi called for opening all crossings to allow sufficient and immediate humanitarian aid to reach all areas of the Gaza Strip.  

Both Safadi and Lavrov underscored the commitment of Jordan and Russia to strengthen bilateral cooperation on regional issues to promote security, stability, and a just peace in the region.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inspected six locations in Madaba Governorate on Sunday, including healthcare, production, and service facilities as part of his routine field visits to governorates across the Kingdom.  

The sites visited by the prime minister included the outpatient clinics building at Al Nadeem Governmental Hospital, accompanied by the Minister of Health, a Prime Ministry statement said. 

Hassan listened to feedback from staff and patients regarding the state of the building, which was constructed in 1979 and now struggles to accommodate the increasing number of visitors due to its distance from the main hospital.  

The prime minister stressed the need to speed up the transfer of outpatient services to the new building during the first half of 2025.

 He emphasized that this move should enhance and expand the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.  

Hassan also visited a health center in Theban District, where he directed maintenance work on some of its facilities and a study to assess the need for additional medical and administrative staff.  

As part of his visits to productive sites in Madaba, the prime minister, accompanied by the minister of industry, trade, and supply, toured a garment factory in Mleih District. 

The factory provides over 600 job opportunities for local women in an empowering and supportive work environment that has a childcare center, and a medical clinic.

The prime minister praised the factory's managers for their role in creating a successful investment that supports hundreds of women in the region.

 He emphasized the importance of generalizing this model to create conducive work environments and provide services for employees. 

He also reaffirmed the government's readiness to take swift measures to support the factory's expansion plans to create more job opportunities for the area's youth.  

During his visit to the Community Development Center in Jabal Bani Hamida area of Theban District, the prime minister directed a study on establishing a cooperative association for the center's over 300 female trainees.

 He highlighted the importance of expanding, sustaining, and diversifying such programs to align with market needs.  

He also visited a weaving project for women, which aims to revive the craft of weaving and traditional carpet-making. 

He stressed the need to support the production and marketing of these heritage products and to strengthen existing partnerships with companies specializing in this field.  

The prime minister inspected the Tourism Corridor Project in Madaba. 

The project, implemented by the Greater Madaba Municipality and funded by the World Bank Group after winning a design competition, serves as a cultural gateway linking the tourist sites of Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea.

AMMAN — A recent report by the Global leader in market research, Ipsos, found that Jordanians are looking towards 2025 with renewed optimism despite the challenges of 2024.

In its Jordan's 2025 predictions report, a copy of which was made available for The Jordan Times, Ipsos indicated that "69 per cent of Jordanians believe the coming year will be better personally, while 55 per cent expect people in Jordan to start feeling more optimistic about the long-term future."    

"This positive outlook extends to the economic sphere, with 1 in 2 anticipating a stronger national economy. This positive outlook shines through even as people acknowledge potential financial challenges ahead. The future-focused mindset is particularly strong, with an impressive 90 per cent of people planning to set personal resolutions for 2025, prioritizing financial growth and self-improvement goals," the report said. 

According to the report, 51 per cent of the Jordanians surveyed believe the national economy in 2025 will grow better than in 2024. Additionally, 56 per cent of participants expect global economic growth to improve compared to the current year.

The report also revealed that three out of five citizens believe the new government will contribute to positive changes in the coming year, reflecting optimism about its future impact. Specifically, 59 per cent of Jordanians surveyed think the new government will bring positive economic and living standard changes.

The survey, which sampled around 500 participants, showed that nearly half of the respondents expressed optimism about their personal financial prospects in the coming year, with about 48 per cent predicting improvements in their financial situations.

One in two respondents also expects a flourishing investment environment in Jordan next year, with approximately 49 per cent of the sample believing that the local economic climate will be more favorable for investment than in 2024.

Additionally, a third of citizens expressed intentions to make a major purchase next year, reflecting significant optimism about economic improvement, according to the report. 

On gender-related issues, the report signaled progress in equality, particularly in female leadership and wage parity. About 82 per cent of respondents anticipate increased participation of women in politics and leadership roles next year, while 62 per cent expect equal pay for women and men to be realized in 2025.

While there is optimism about economic growth, Jordanians still anticipate financial challenges in 2025, such as prices rising faster than incomes, along with concerns about inflation, taxes, and interest rates.

The survey showed that 86 per cent of respondents fear that prices will rise faster than incomes next year, while 85 per cent are concerned about inflation levels increasing in 2025 compared to the current year. Around 79 per cent expect taxes to rise, and 68 per cent worry about higher interest rates.

Regarding employment challenges, 85 per cent of respondents believe it will be harder to find new jobs locally in 2025 compared to this year, and 79 per cent anticipate higher unemployment levels next year.

Around 63 per cent of the study's participants expect an increase in visitors to the Kingdom in 2025, with hopes for a revival of tourism activity in the country.

Khaled Lahham, an economist, noted that “the increasing optimism is an encouraging indicator, especially after a difficult economic period.” Pointing that the findings show a notable change in public sentiment, but to maintain this momentum, the optimism needs to be backed by concrete reforms.

Nadia Shanableh, a young Jordanian in her late 20s, told The Jordan Times that “all young Jordanians are working hard to build a better future, however we would be even more optimistic if there is true support for their aspirations.” 

Sociologist Hussein Khozahe previously indicated that the report reflects Jordanians’ “resilience and forward-thinking mindset” even in difficult economic circumstances. 

Sami Hijazi, a retiree, said: “Jordanians have always been hopeful, but for optimism to translate into actual change and better life, the government should be focused on improving their lives.” 

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Syria in building a free, independent, and fully sovereign state that fulfils the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people.

In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, His Majesty reiterated the centrality of Syria’s security and stability for the region, stressing Jordan’s rejection of any encroachment on Syria’s territory and sovereignty, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King also called for an end to the Israeli war on Gaza, while bolstering the humanitarian response in the Strip.

His Majesty urged stepping up efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-states solution, calling for maintaining efforts to ensure the success of the Lebanon ceasefire, the statement said.

• Lower House calls for 'immediate' action to sue Israel for 'crimes against humanity'
• WHO says Israeli military raid forced Kamal Adwan Hospital out of service

AMMAN — Jordan on Friday condemned the burning of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza by Israeli forces as a "flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian principles."

 A Foreign Ministry statement described the incident as a "war crime that adds to Israel's ongoing actions in the Strip," holding Israel fully responsible for ensuring the safety of civilians and medical personnel.

Sufian Qudah, the ministry's spokesperson, reiterated Jordan's rejection of the "systematic targeting of medical facilities and personnel." He stressed that such actions violate international law, including the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. 

Qudah also warned of the consequences of the destruction of critical infrastructure necessary for the survival of the residents of northern Gaza.

He also called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to end Israel's aggression against Gaza and the targeting of civilians. He also urged world leaders to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing assault, ensure the protection of the Palestinian people, hold those responsible to account and protect essential humanitarian and medical facilities.

Also on Saturday, the Lower House condemned the burning of the hospital in Gaza as a "war crime that underscores decades of suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people."

Highlighting the occupation's long history of killings, destruction, displacement and land confiscation, Lower House Speaker Ahmed Safadi called on Arab and Islamic parliamentary bodies to mobilise efforts and engage with international parliaments to press their governments for decisive action in global forums, particularly the United Nations Security Council.

 He stressed the need to hold Israeli leaders accountable for what he described as a heinous crime against humanity.

Safadi warned that such actions represent a deliberate escalation of the suffering imposed on the Palestinian people.

He called for urgent international intervention and urged the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibility by ending the war on Gaza, ensuring justice for the victims and addressing the humanitarian catastrophe. 

Gaza health officials and the WHO said Saturday that an Israeli military raid has forced a major hospital in northern Gaza out of service and led to the detention of its director.

The military's assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia has rendered the facility "useless", further worsening Gaza's severe health crisis, the Palestinian territory's health officials said.

The World Health Organisation said the operation had put the "last major health facility in north Gaza out of service," AFP reported. 

"Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid," it added in a statement on X.

The WHO said 60 health workers and 25 patients in critical condition, including some on ventilators, reportedly remained in Kamal Adwan Hospital.

Patients in less severe condition were forced to evacuate to the destroyed, non-functioning Indonesian Hospital, the UN health agency said, adding it was "deeply concerned for their safety".

Gaza's health ministry reported that Israeli forces had detained Kamal Adwan's director, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, along with several medical staff. 

 'Catastrophic' 

AFP was unable to independently verify whether Abu Safiyeh had been detained, but multiple attempts to reach him by telephone were unsuccessful.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Abu Safiyeh was held alongside its north Gaza chief, Ahmed Hassan al-Kahlout.

One of the Gazans evacuated from the hospital, who asked to be identified only as Mohammad for security reasons, told AFP some evacuees were interrogated about Hamas.

"As we began to exit, the army asked all young men to take off their clothes and walk outside the hospital," said Mohammad, whose brother was a patient there.

"They [soldiers] took tens of young men, as well as physicians and patients, to an unknown place... The young men were interrogated. They were asked about resistance fighters, Hamas and weapons," according to AFP.

Ammar Al Barsh, a resident of nearby Jabalia, said the raid on Kamal Adwan and its environs had left dozens of homes in ruins.

"The situation is catastrophic. There is no medical service, no ambulances and no civil defence in the north," Barsh, 50, told AFP.

The army "continues to raid the Kamal Adwan Hospital and the surrounding houses, and we hear gunfire from Israeli drones and artillery shelling", he added.

"This raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital comes after escalating restrictions on access for WHO and partners, and repeated attacks on or near the facility since early October," the WHO said.

The United Nations humanitarian agency, OCHA, said that on Tuesday the military had also "reportedly entered the Indonesian Hospital, ordering patients, caregivers and staff to evacuate to Gaza city." 

The same day, "military tanks reportedly attacked the third floor of the eastern wing of the Al Awda Hospital, causing panic", following previous air strikes that damaged the facility, OCHA said.

A separate Israeli strike in central Gaza killed at least nine Palestinians on Saturday, Gaza's civil defence also reported.

Israel's military campaign has killed at least 45,484 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN considers reliable.

AMMAN — Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday stressed that Jordan’s support for Arabs and defending their causes extend beyond political and diplomatic spheres, which reflects the "depth" of the humanitarian values that form a cornerstone of Jordanian principles.  

During a meeting at the Royal Hashemite Court with a delegation of over 700 young people from Fursan Al Taghyeer (Knights of Change) team, Issawi highlighted Jordan's unwavering stance and His Majesty King Abdullah's efforts in supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

Issawi reviewed His Majesty's leadership on political and diplomatic fronts to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza, out of King Abdullah's belief in the justice of the Palestinian cause. 

He reiterated that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.  

Since the outbreak of the aggression, King Abdullah has been actively engaging in regional and international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians, and bolster diplomatic movements aimed at ending the aggression and achieving a comprehensive ceasefire, Issawi added.  

He highlighted the importance of the King’s diplomatic and political engagements, which included meetings with Arab and international leaders and participations in vital regional and global forums. 

These efforts aim to mobilise the international community to protect Palestinian civilians, and ensure the sustainable delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, he noted.

Issawi referred to Jordan’s humanitarian initiatives, carried out under Royal directives, including airdrops of urgent medical aid, deploying a mobile bakery capable of producing 3,500 loaves per hour, launching the Restoring Hope initiative to provide prosthetics for amputees, and dispatching a field hospital specialising in maternity and neonatal care.  

He also highlighted the contributions of Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein in supporting His Majesty's humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.  

Issawi reiterated Jordan’s commitment to preserving the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing the importance of protecting and maintaining these sites under the Hashemite custodianship.  

Reflecting its solidarity with Arab nations, Issawi referred to Royal directives to extend aid to Syria and Lebanon in light of their current circumstances.  

Speakers at the meeting praised King Abdullah’s courageous and honourable stances in defending Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian issue, which has always been a priority for the Hashemite leadership.

AMMAN — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Saturday announced a $30 million sovereign financing deal with the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ), aimed at improving wastewater services in West Irbid. 

The investment will benefit around 200,000 residents, providing them with first-time sanitation services, according to an EBRD statement.

The funding will complete the construction of a wastewater network, initiated by a 2017 EBRD loan, and include the installation of new wastewater infrastructure and pumping systems. 

The project is expected to support Jordan's national goal of achieving 80 per cent wastewater network coverage by 2030, the statement added.

The new network is critical in addressing Jordan's pressing water challenges, with renewable freshwater resources falling far below the required 500-1,000 cubic metres per capita annually. 

Population growth has exacerbated water shortages, placing significant strain on municipal services. 

The wastewater project aims to reduce environmental and health risks linked to inadequate sewage systems, replacing harmful practices like cesspit disposal and cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud and EBRD Director and Head of the Eastern Mediterranean Region Gretchen Biery. 

Since its operations began in Jordan in 2012, the EBRD has invested over 2.2 billion euros in 74 projects across the country.

AMMAN — The Civil Defence Department (CDD) is advancing its modernisation and development efforts, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF).

CDD Director  Brig. Gen. Mohammad Omari said that the department has added 101 advanced operational vehicles to its fleet, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.

These vehicles include medical support vehicles capable of managing over 30 injuries simultaneously, providing medical care, and transporting patients to hospitals, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

"The fleet also features off-road wildfire firefighting vehicles, concrete block lifters, and specialised water rescue vehicles for aquatic emergencies," he added.

Omari also said that one of the department's notable achievements in 2024 is the introduction of a remote medical guidance system,  enabling paramedics to communicate directly with emergency rooms to provide critical on-site care.

"It has benefited around 20,000 citizens, significantly enhancing the department’s life-saving capabilities."

The director also said that the CDD responded to nearly 540,000 incidents throughout the year, including 460,000 ambulance cases, 43,000 fires — ranging from house fires to forest and dry grass fires — and 37,000 rescue operations.

The department also achieved an average emergency response time of 7 minutes and 52 seconds, surpassing response times in many developed countries.

The Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Academy for Civil Protection continues to play a pivotal role in training professionals in civil protection fields. Operated in collaboration with Al Balqa Applied University, the academy offers academic programmes at various levels, he  added.

The Civil Defence College, established in 2006 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, provides diplomas in specialised areas such as first aid, firefighting, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.

In 2024, the department conducted 129 simulated exercises, reflecting real-life and anticipated incident scenarios, in cooperation with other PSD formations. 

Additionally, preventive awareness teams delivered 3,597 educational programmes, workshops, and brochures across schools, universities, and government institutions, reaching 200,000 citizens of all ages.