Day: May 11, 2023

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that by next month 200,000 people – 60 percent of the people it assists in Palestine – will no longer be receiving assistance due to a severe funding shortage. By August, WFP will be forced to completely suspend operations in the West Bank and Gaza if no funding is received. ‘Desperate times call for desperate measures. We have no option but to stretch the limited resources we have to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable families are met. They will go hungry without food assistance,’ said Samer Abdeljaber, WFP Representative and Country Director in Palestine. ‘These are difficult choices, but we have already exhausted all options to stretch the funding that we have. We are grateful for the constant support that we received from donors over the years, but needs are growing, and resources are not meeting these needs.’ This month, the funding crunch forced WFP to reduce the value of its cash assistance by around 20 percent, to US$10.3 per person. WFP urgently needs US$51 million to maintain its life-saving food and cash assistance in Palestine until the end of the year. Vulnerable families in Gaza and the West Bank have been pushed to the limits by the combined effects of growing insecurity, a deteriorating economy, and the rising cost of living that is driving food insecurity up. Due to the steep rise in food prices and the constant instability, even the most basic needs have become unattainable leaving 1.84 million Palestinians – 35 percent of the population – food insecure. The situation is particularly dire in Gaza, where unemployment rates stand at 45.3 percent and two out of every three people struggle to afford their next meal. Over the past year, most families have been unable to cope in the face of global food price increases, accelerated by the conflict in Ukraine. In 2022, food prices in Palestine reached their highest in six years. “This past year has been a nightmare for thousands of poorer Palestinian families who have been pushed to their absolute limit,” said Abdeljaber. ‘The average cost of a family’s food needs increased by 20 percent. For Palestinians with low purchasing power, every percentage point increase in prices leaves them unable to meet the most basic food needs.’ WFP’s assistance accounts for an average of nearly half what people spend on food. The loss of assistance will also take its toll on the fragile local economy impacting a network of 300 local shops contracted by WFP across Palestine. Each month, WFP injects around US$3 million into the Palestinian economy through its direct programmes related to electronic cash transfers that allow people to buy wheat flour, vegetable oil, and frozen meat. Through its cash-based transfers platform, WFP also facilitates the transfer of US$10 million every month to vulnerable families on behalf of humanitarian and development partners. ‘We urge government donors and the private sector to continue their support to WFP during this difficult time,’ said Abdeljaber. ‘Continued donor support has allowed us to provide a lifeline to Palestinians as well as build sustainable food solutions in Palestine. We need now, more than ever, to ensure that work does not stop.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

With the participation of Syria, the 11th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum kicked off on Thursday in Russia under the title “International Cooperation for Ministers of Justice: Work Prospects and New Methods”.

Minister of Justice, Judge Ahmed al-Sayyed, will deliver a speech Friday in front of the forum, which is an important and influential platform for discussions on a wide range international legal issues.

Last year, Syria participated in the activities of the forum, as it signed two judicial agreements with the Russian Federation on extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

A tourist group that includes 14 tourists from Britain , Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Netherlands and Finland visited Damascus on Thursday, where they viewed the archaeological and religious monuments and toured the old markets to buy handcrafted antiques and souvenirs, in addition to the acquisition of chains bearing their names in Arabic.

Head of Tourism Marketing and Information Department, Damascus Tourism Directorate, Eng. Abdel Basset Khattab said in a statement to SANA reporter that Syria has witnessed, since the beginning of this year, an active tourist movement from European countries.

Khattab noted that the Ministry of Tourism is working to overcome all difficulties and obstacles to facilitate the entry of tourists to Syria.

The tour guide accompanying the group, Rami Nawaya, stated that the group visited a number of archaeological and historical places in several provinces and carried beautiful impressions of the ancient Syrian civilization.

Nawaya added that the tourists lived the experience of the Damascene family and their hospitality through their presence in Beit al-Mamlouka Hotel in Old Damascus.

The Australian tourist Paris said that this is her second visit to Syria, and her favorite place is the charming city of Palmyra, which she would like to visit again.

The tourist pointed out that she stayed in one of the old Damascene houses of an architectural heritage character, and lived the experience of the Syrian family, wishing everyone to visit Syria to know the truth, contrary to what was reported by the Western media outlets, and to live in the charming eastern atmosphere.

In turn, the Canadian tourist Mika said that she visited many archaeological and historical places and enjoyed the company of the Syrian people, as she will convey the true image about Syria to her country and invite them to visit Syria.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Ahmed al-Safadi, discussed with Chargé d’affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Amman, Essam Niyal ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.

Talks during the meeting dealt with the Arab role in resolving the crisis in Syria based on preserving its unity, stability and territorial integrity, and in accordance with the firm Jordanian position, which considers a peaceful solution to be the only way out to resolve this crisis.

the talks also affirmed that stability of Syria will reflect positively on the entire region.

Al-Safadi said that the history of the Syrian people and their positions with their nation are unforgettable.

Jordan and Syria have historical relations, and it is our duty in the parliaments of the two countries to work to overcome obstacles to the return of relations to normal in order to serve the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations and the interests of our two brotherly peoples, al-Safadi added.

In turn, Ambassador Niyal pointed out to the great Jordanian role in Syria’s return to the Arab League, expressing his appreciation for the role of the House of Representatives and its positions in support of Syria.

Niyal noted the importance of the visit of the heads of Arab parliaments to Syria about three months ago.

Niyal expressed his thanks and appreciation for the Jordanian stances towards Syria.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) represented by paratroopers units and the special forces, and the Tunisian army have started the military exercise “Kairouan 23” at the Special Forces Training Center in the Tunisian city of Kairouan.

The drill of Kairouan 23 witnessed the participation of several Saudi-Tunisian officers and personnel qualified in modern combat methods in different environments.

The exercise aims to enhance cooperation, coordination, and exchange of military expertise between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Tunisia.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Passports Directorate at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has completed the entry procedures for nationals of brotherly and friendly countries who were evacuated from Sudan. At the same time, the passports office is tackling the situation of nationals who do not hold entry visas or passports in coordination with their countries, helping them complete the repatriation process.

This comes as part of the Directorate’s efforts to serve citizens and nationals of brotherly and friendly countries in coordination with the partner authorities.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Nama Water Services today signed a memorandum of understanding with the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) dealing with enhancing cooperation in research and environment projects related to the fields of water and enhancing development and innovation.

The agreement was inked by Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services and Prof. Michael Modigell, Rector of GUtech.

The agreement stipulated conducting joint academic research in the environment field. It also deals with supporting and facilitating student research cooperation. Moreover, it approved conducting joint events, such as lectures and conferences.

Source: Oman News Agency

Activities of the annual naval drill (Sharp Dagger), conducted by the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), concluded today at Al Batinah maritime zone.

The drill was conducted with the support of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) jets, with the participation of a group of military ships belonging to the navies of a number of countries.

Source: Oman News Agency