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-  His Majesty reiterates need for intensified efforts to reinstate ceasefire in Gaza, resume aid flow, rebuild Strip without displacing its residents

- King warns against continued attacks on Palestinians in West Bank, violations of Jerusalem’s Muslim, Christian holy sites

- King stresses importance of creating political horizon to achieve comprehensive peace on basis of two-state solution

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held separate meetings in Washington, DC, with United States House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a number of House and Senate committees, and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

The committees His Majesty met with included the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, and the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services, according to a Royal Court statement.

The meetings covered ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, with the King highlighting Jordan’s readiness to maintain coordination on issues of mutual concern to achieve regional stability, the statement said.

Speaking about key developments in the region, His Majesty reiterated the need to step up international efforts to reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza and implement all its phases, resume aid flow, and support efforts to rebuild the Strip without displacing its residents.

The King warned against continued attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, according to the statement.

His Majesty stressed the importance of creating a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, noting the United States’ important role in this regard.

Discussions also covered the situation in Syria and the importance of preserving its security, stability and territorial sovereignty.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States Dina Kawar attended the meetings.

AMMAN — Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and the relevant authorities in Yemen, describing it as a vital step toward easing regional tensions and safeguarding international maritime navigation and trade.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry praised the diplomatic efforts of the brotherly Sultanate of Oman, which played a key role in mediating the agreement. The ministry emphasised that the deal marks a significant move toward de-escalating conflict in the region.

The ministry spokesperson, Sufian Qudah, said the Kingdom views the agreement as an opportunity to resolve regional disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, reinforcing both regional and global stability.

Qudah also reaffirmed Jordan’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending conflicts and achieving comprehensive and just peace across the region and beyond.

AMMAN — The Criminal Court prosecutor over the weekend charged a brother with premeditated murder in connection with the alleged murder of his teenage sister almost 15 years ago in Aqaba, official sources said.

Authorities received new information that an Arab national teenage girl who was reported missing by her family in 2008 was actually murdered by one of her siblings, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

Cold case investigators decided to summon her family members for questioning, and one of her brothers confessed to murdering her in 2008, Sartawi told The Jordan Times. 

“The victim’s brother confessed to stabbing her to death following a dispute,” according to the police official.

The suspect claimed that he transported her body to a deserted area where he allegedly buried her, the police official added.

The brother reportedly ushered investigators to a deserted location where he claimed he buried her, the police official added.

Forensic experts exhumed some bone remains that belonged to a human being that were sent to the Forensic and Laboratories Department for DNA testing, a senior medical source told The Jordan Times.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the bones actually belong to the reported missing woman,” the senior medical source said.

Investigations are ongoing in the case, Sartawi added.

Meanwhile, the suspect was ordered detained by the Criminal Court prosecutor at a correctional and rehabilitation centre for 15 days pending further investigations.

AMMAN — Al al-Bayt University on Tuesday convened the third international conference of its Faculty of Law under the theme “Artificial Intelligence: A Legal Vision Towards a Sustainable Future”.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nancy Namrouqa, who inaugurated the event on behalf of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan,  stressed the importance of scientific cooperation in harnessing technology that now forms a core pillar of future development, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Namrouqa also highlighted the need for robust legal and legislative frameworks that keep pace with rapid AI advancements, noting the government’s efforts to raise awareness and integrate AI initiatives across public institutions.

University President Osama Naseer said the conference reflects the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah and the directives of HRH Crown Prince Hussein to pursue future-oriented projects, including expanding the role of AI and enhancing the involvement of Jordanian universities in innovation. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to building a digital future grounded in a solid legal foundation.

Conference Chair Samer Dallaleh said that the event stems from strategic efforts to embed AI into academic planning, requalify human capital in line with market demands, and cultivate an informed generation capable of contributing to theoretical and practical advancement.

Dean of the Faculty of Law at Egypt’s Kafr El Sheikh University Maher Abu Khawat commended Jordan’s leadership and Al al-Bayt University on behalf of the participating delegations. He also emphasised the significance of addressing the legal dimensions of artificial intelligence and ensuring accountability for potential harms.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of Parliament, judicial and constitutional officials, university leadership, tribal elders, and dignitaries from Mafraq Governorate. The event concluded with a short film introducing the university and its Faculty of Law.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Energy on Tuesday launched a national roadmap to decarbonise its building sector, a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s climate strategy and a key component of its energy partnership with Germany.

Speaking at the launch event, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary General  Amani Azzam underscored the urgency of cutting carbon emissions to address the escalating climate crisis, according to a ministry statement.

“Decarbonising Jordan’s building stock is a fundamental step in tackling climate change,” Azzam said, noting that the building sector consumes up to 40 per cent of the Kingdom’s electricity and is a major contributor to carbon emissions.

Azzam reiterated Jordan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by up to 40 per cent by 2030, in line with its pledges under the Paris Agreement. She said that the country aims to achieve this target in part by increasing the use of renewable and green energy in the building sector.

She noted that effective decarbonisation requires strong cooperation, clear legal frameworks, and specialised training. “The roadmap is not a theoretical document, but a practical foundation for coordinated national and international action,” she said.

Azzam described decarbonisation efforts as “long-term investments in the future of upcoming generations”, expressing hope that the roadmap will serve as a springboard for a more sustainable path forward.

Andreas Riesmann, a representative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, highlighted the long-standing energy partnership between Jordan and Germany. He said the cooperation continues to grow stronger as both nations work toward reducing emissions and limiting global warming by 2045.

He urged all stakeholders to align efforts and establish the legal and institutional frameworks necessary to overcome challenges and implement the roadmap effectively.

In a recorded message, Sila Martinez Juez, programme manager at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), described the roadmap as a vital tool for promoting best practices and fostering cooperation among stakeholders. She also emphasised the importance of ensuring that these practices are scalable and adaptable across the region.

Juez also noted that the German Energy Agency has launched initiatives to support teams dedicated to advancing carbon neutrality.

AMMAN — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Ahmed Huneiti on Tuesday received Greek Orthodox Archbishop and Head of the Jordan Churches Council Archbishop Christophoros and his accompanying delegation at the General Command headquarters.

The meeting was attended by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Mufti, Colonel Imam Hassan Makhatrah, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Discussions focused on promoting the values of tolerance and interfaith coexistence, and the role of religious institutions in fostering mutual respect and societal harmony.

Huneiti highlighted the church’s important contribution to advancing understanding and unity across Jordan’s diverse communities, praising its efforts to support the social fabric of the Kingdom.

Archbishop Christophoros commended the humanitarian and medical efforts of the JAF in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as the army’s continued dedication to defending the Kingdom. He emphasised Jordan’s exemplary role as a regional and global model of peaceful coexistence.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Tuesday launched a $10.34 million water infrastructure project to improve water supply and distribution in Jerash, with funding and technical assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The project was launched in Al Mastabah region in the presence of the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud, South Korean Ambassador to Jordan Kim Pil-woo and KOICA Country Director Kim So-young, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The initiative will rehabilitate ageing water distribution systems in six areas - Mastaba, Umm Rumaneh, Marsa, Jubbah, Al Rayah and Talat Al Razz- as part of Jordan's 2023-2040 water sector strategy and broader economic modernisation efforts.

"This project will improve water supply, reduce network stress, and ensure more equitable access through a shift to gravity-based flow systems," said Abul Saud. "It will also extend the life of the infrastructure while improving efficiency and reducing operating costs."

Key components of the project include the installation of 81 kilometres of polyethene pipes in various diameters, 15,000 household water connections and 600 metres of pipeline. The work will also include pressure control systems, advanced flow meters and the replacement of pumping stations and key water infrastructure in several areas of the northern region.

The Korean diplomat described the initiative as a "critical step" in addressing Jordan's growing water challenges. "Water and irrigation have always been a core pillar of Korea's development partnership with Jordan," he said.

The 730-day  project is expected to improve access to water and the quality of service for residents in the region.

AMMAN — HH Prince Mired, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), on Tuesday said that only 27,000 out of an estimated 300,000 students with disabilities in Jordan were enrolled in schools.

Speaking during a meeting with the Lower House's Work, Social Development, and Housing Committee, Prince Mired noted that 22,000 of these students attend public schools, while 5,000 are enrolled in private institutions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He emphasised that promoting inclusive education is a top priority, as education serves as the foundation for empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring they attain their full rights.

The prince also highlighted the recent approval of the bylaw for the National Academy for Inclusive Education, describing it as a major step toward reforming the education system.

The bylaw aims to foster a fair and inclusive educational environment that allows students with disabilities to fulfil their potential and play an active role in society.

"This step reflects Jordan’s ongoing commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities," he said.

Prince Mired also pointed out that the bylaw’s endorsement is one of Jordan’s key commitments made at the Third Global Disability Summit, where His Majesty King Abdullah delivered an influential speech underscoring the importance of inclusive education.

He also called for greater efforts to empower people with disabilities across all sectors, including improving accessibility to tourist sites.

AMMAN — The Northern Military Zone on Monday foiled an infiltration attempt by two individuals on its border front.

A responsible military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) said that the rules of engagement were applied, leading to the arrest of the individuals, who were then referred to the competent authorities.

The source emphasised that the JAF continue to act with strength and determination, mobilising all available resources to counter such activities and prevent all forms of infiltration and smuggling to safeguard the security and stability of the Kingdom.