
Japan's Ambassador Attends Launch of Phase Two of UNRWA Leadership Programme in Amman - Jordan News
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Roya News
34 minutes ago
- Roya News
Netanyahu says 'Israel' must complete defeat of Hamas to free captives
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that 'Israel' must "complete" the defeat of Hamas in Gaza to secure the release of captives, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss an updated war plan. "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training facility. 'Israeli' media said the premier was considering ordering the total occupation of the Palestinian territory, with public broadcaster Kan reporting that "Netanyahu wants the Israeli army to conquer the entire Gaza Strip." Netanyahu's office said he held a three-hour "security discussion" on Tuesday with army chief Eyal Zamir, but did not disclose any new war plans. The premier's office earlier said the army was prepared to implement any decision made by the security cabinet, which is due to convene later in the week to approve new instructions. Citing cabinet members, Kan reported that Netanyahu had "decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held" inside Gaza. But some major media outlets such as Channel 12 have suggested that the rumoured expansion of military operations may only be a negotiating tactic. While there was no official confirmation for a plan to occupy Gaza -- from which 'Israel' withdrew troops and settlers two decades ago -- it has drawn angry reactions from the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's Hamas-run government. Hamas insisted such an 'Israeli' plan would not shift its position in ceasefire talks, demanding the withdrawal of troops from Gaza. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," senior Hamas official Hossam Badran told AFP, adding that the group wanted to "end the war and the famine". 'Agreement must be reached' Over the war's 22 months, 'Israeli' forces have devastated large parts of the Gaza Strip, where repeated warnings of famine have increased pressure on Netanyahu's government to halt the fighting. Humanitarian agencies say the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine. Netanyahu has faced growing pressure on several fronts. Domestically, families of captives are demanding a ceasefire to bring their loved ones home. Around the world, there are increasing calls for a truce to allow in food to the starving in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday said it was "prepared and ready to bring in medicine, food and family news for the hostages in Gaza", and to "scale up the delivery of life-saving aid safely to civilians". But "to do this, an agreement must be reached between Israel and Hamas," it said.


Jordan News
36 minutes ago
- Jordan News
Over Two-Thirds of Jordanians Are Optimistic About the Country's Direction – Citizens' Priorities Revealed
A recent public opinion survey conducted by the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan revealed that 72% of Jordanians believe the country is moving in a positive direction, while 26% think it is heading in a negative one. اضافة اعلان The survey also identified the top priorities for Jordanians. Unemployment and job creation for youth ranked as the most pressing issue, selected by 49% of respondents. This was followed by general economic reform (11%), improving public services such as healthcare and education (11%), and addressing rising prices and cost of living (11%). When asked about the government's recent decision to dissolve municipal and governorate councils and appoint interim committees until elections, 58% supported the move, while 29% opposed it. Regarding participation in upcoming local elections, 44% of respondents said they would definitely vote, 14% said they were likely to vote, and 40% said they probably would not. The survey also asked about the recent government decision to reduce taxes on certain types of passenger vehicles. 72% of respondents had heard of this decision, and 52% of those believe it benefits citizens, while 24% believe it benefits the government more. Additionally, 79% believe the decision will encourage people to purchase new cars, whereas 16% disagreed. On the political front, 97% of Jordanians believe security in the country is stable, with 57% saying it is very stable and 40% saying it is somewhat stable. Only 2% said it was unstable. In contrast, 57% believe the political situation in the region is unstable, including 10% who said it is very unstable. Meanwhile, 43% think the region is stable, with 10% saying it is very stable. When asked about the Palestinian cause, 73% of Jordanians believe it remains a top priority for the Arab world, especially in light of recent developments. In relation to the Iran-Israel conflict, 70% support the ceasefire between the two sides. 58% believe the recent attacks negatively impacted regional security, while 36% felt they had no impact. A significant majority—91%—think Jordan should strengthen its defense system in preparation for potential escalation. Only 5% disagree. On the use of sirens in Jordan during the Iran-Israel conflict, 55% said the sirens had no impact on them or their families, 43% said they caused worry and fear, and 2% said they were simply annoying. 62% reported following official safety instructions when hearing the sirens, while 38% did not. In terms of war-related preparedness, 12% of respondents said they took specific precautions, while 88% did not. Additionally, 89% reported seeing Iranian rockets, drones, or air defense responses with their own eyes, while 11% said they did not. Back on domestic issues, 63% of Jordanians said they rely primarily on social media for news and information about local events, making it the top source. Television came second at 27%, while friends and family made up 5%. Concerning recent amendments to the enforcement law regarding debtor imprisonment, 66% of respondents had heard of the changes, while 34% had not. Of those aware, 58% supported the amendments—24% strongly, 26% moderately, and 8% slightly—while 41% opposed them. When asked about social safety, 86% said they feel very or moderately safe in their communities, whereas 10% do not feel safe. Regarding the spread of drugs in society, 55% believe drugs are highly prevalent, 24% said moderately prevalent, 11% said slightly prevalent, and 5% said not prevalent at all. Respondents identified young adults aged 18–25 as the most affected age group, followed by teenagers aged 13–17 (25%), then adults aged 26–35 (13%), while 16% believe all age groups are equally affected. On the recent alcohol poisoning incident, 39% blamed regulatory authorities, 33% held the manufacturing company responsible, 20% blamed the individuals who consumed the drinks, and 5% felt all parties shared responsibility. Regarding the government's response to the incident, 60% believed the actions taken were quick and appropriate, while 27% found them delayed or inadequate. Finally, 93% of respondents expressed confidence in regulatory institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Specifically, 93% trust the Public Security Directorate, 73% trust the Ministry of Health, and 71% trust the Food and Drug Administration.


Jordan News
3 hours ago
- Jordan News
Al-Awdat: Jordan is a Cohesive State Drawing Strength from Its People's Awareness and Its Leadership's Wisdom
Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Monem Al-Awdat, affirmed that despite the numerous challenges and pressures surrounding it, Jordan has consistently proven over the decades to be a strong and cohesive state, drawing its resilience from the awareness and loyalty of its people, the wisdom of its leadership, and the strength of its national institutions, which have withstood many storms. اضافة اعلان During his meeting with the President and members of the 'Elite Forum' at the ministry, Al-Awdat reiterated Jordan's unwavering stance towards its Palestinian brothers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Despite the surrounding challenges, Jordan continues to provide humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to the people of Gaza—a position that reflects the authenticity of the Jordanian state and its deep moral and national commitment. He emphasized that the Arab region is undergoing an unprecedented phase, particularly the brutal and systematic aggression on the Gaza Strip, which targets both people and infrastructure in a manner unmatched in ancient or modern history. Al-Awdat pointed out that Jordan is currently the target of suspicious smear campaigns aimed at questioning its national stance and undermining its regional role and credibility. These attacks require heightened awareness and caution, and call for strengthening society against populist rhetoric and deliberate misinformation driven by hostile entities that wish no good for either Palestine or Jordan. He stressed that the burden falls on political elites and opinion leaders to guide public discourse responsibly, promoting a culture of consensus over exclusion, and dialogue over polarization. Al-Awdat also underscored the importance of overcoming all obstacles to continue the comprehensive modernization project, foremost of which is political modernization, describing it as a national project that reflects a sincere desire to build a mature democratic life based on effective participation, pluralism, and respect for opposing views. President of the Forum, Mahmoud Al-Dabbas, explained that the forum—comprised of elite figures from various ideological and intellectual backgrounds across Jordanian society—has engaged with decision-makers to examine areas of weakness and amplify achievements, all in pursuit of the nation's supreme interests. Forum members also discussed key internal and external challenges facing Jordan, emphasizing the need to fortify the internal front. Among the topics addressed were: The role of political parties in highlighting economic challenges, particularly unemployment. The need to expand citizen participation and develop electoral behavior. The importance of legislation in enabling greater representation of women and youth in Parliament. An evaluation of the most recent elections and their outcomes. Members also stressed the importance of protecting and empowering civil society institutions and professional unions, viewing them as crucial to the Ministry's goals and its role as a bridge between the legislative and executive branches in realizing the core objectives of political modernization.