Day: August 18, 2024

The National News Agency correspondent reported that a martyr fell as a result of an enemy drone strike that targeted a motorcycle in the town of Shebaa. Source : National news agency - Lebanon

Ramallah - Ma'an - The Palestinian People's Party expressed its deep concerns about the worsening health and environmental crisis that our people are experiencing in the Gaza Strip, as a direct result of the continued Israeli military aggression, siege and genocide committed against them, and because of the occupation's deliberate prevention of the health sector from performing its duties and depriving it of medicines and medical supplies, and the lack of adequate and sufficient food and safe water for citizens, which led to the spread of health hazards, epidemics and many transmitted diseases, including skin and intestinal diseases on a large scale, the latest of which was the discovery of the polio virus, which threatens the safety and lives of hundreds of citizens, especially children. The party said in a statement, "The alarm bell of the possibility of a major health disaster among our people in the Gaza Strip is now ringing loudly, as a result of the fascist occupation's aggression and military operatio ns in all areas of the Strip, the siege imposed on it and the deliberate deprivation of all the necessities and requirements of life and treatment, as a result of the destruction of water and sewage networks, the targeting of the medical sector, the lack of basic hygiene needs, and the accumulation of waste in the streets and places of shelter for the displaced." The party called for urgent international and regional intervention to force the Israeli occupation to stop its aggression and all its military operations in the Gaza Strip, withdraw from it, lift the siege on it, ensure the preparation of field conditions in order to save what can be saved, and provide medical supplies and health care services immediately to our people in the Strip. He also called for providing full support to the health sector in the Gaza Strip, in order to provide all types of treatment to citizens suffering from many diseases, on the one hand, and to quickly provide the necessary quantities of food doses, and to begin implement ing a comprehensive and integrated vaccination campaign against the polio virus, on the other hand. He called for rapid intervention to provide all requirements and a working environment to rebuild safe drinking water and sanitation systems and networks, and to dispose of all types of waste in all areas of the Gaza Strip by specialized crews, and to secure the entry of fuel to pump pure fresh water, and to allow unconditional entry of medical supplies, medicines, food, and materials related to private and public hygiene. The Palestinian People's Party called on all official and civil forces and institutions, professional unions and Palestinian civil society organizations to launch an Arab and international pressure campaign to quickly and comprehensively stop the occupation's barbaric aggression and shooting at our people, and until that is achieved, to work at least to impose an immediate humanitarian truce in accordance with the proposal of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, "Antonio Guterres", in order to save the children of Gaza and achieve the urgent humanitarian requirements mentioned above. Source: Maan News Agency

Jenin-Ma'an- A delegation from the Arab American University visited Al-Quds University, as part of enhancing academic and research cooperation with national universities. The delegation was headed by Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Yousef Asfour, Acting President of the University Dr. Bara Asfour, Board Member Eng. Anwar Badawi, and Vice President of the University for the Ramallah Campus Prof. Dr. Mohammad Asia. They were received by President of Al-Quds University Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishk, in addition to a group of professors and administrators at the university. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab American University, Dr. Yousef Asfour, praised the role played by Al-Quds University, stressing its position as a leading force in the academic and research fields. He added: 'We at the Arab American University seek to enhance cooperation with Al-Quds University through joint programs and partnership with experts and researchers to produce joint scientific research. We also aim to achieve the possible benefit from the advanced laboratories and equipment at both universities.' In turn, the Acting President of the Arab American University, Dr. Baraa Asfour, stressed the university's commitment to strengthening its academic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in joint programs and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between researchers in both institutions. He said: 'We are determined to build a strategic partnership with Al-Quds University, aiming to develop joint scientific research and exploit the advanced resources and technologies available to us. This initiative represents an important step towards achieving innovation and academic excellence, which contributes to enhancing the status of both universities at the regional and international levels.' For his part, the President of Al-Quds University, Prof. Imad Abu Kishk, expressed the importance of this meeting and his serious efforts to strengthen the bonds of partnership with the Arab American University and Palest inian universities in general. He added: 'The acceleration of technological and scientific development requires us to continuously think strategically in the field of higher education, and this partnership will benefit students and society.' Abu Kishk stressed his pride and honor in reaching this stage of harmony and concord in visions with the Arab American University, stressing the importance of joint work and benefiting from the expertise of researchers and academics in both universities. The meeting was followed by an introductory tour of the faculties and facilities of Al-Quds University. This visit comes within the framework of the Arab American University's efforts to enhance cooperation with national higher education institutions and develop academic and research partnerships. Source: Maan News Agency

Jenin - Ma'an - The people of Jenin and Tubas governorates on Sunday buried the bodies of the martyrs Raafat Dawa (28 years old) and Ahmed Abu Ara (32 years old), who were killed when the occupation forces shelled a vehicle in the city of Jenin on Saturday evening. The funeral procession set off from in front of Khalil Suleiman Governmental Hospital, in the presence of representatives of official and popular activities, to the city center, where the procession toured the streets of Jenin before the bodies of the two martyrs were transported to their hometowns. Participants in the funeral denounced the ongoing crimes of the occupation against our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. With the martyrdom of the two young men, the number of martyrs in Jenin Governorate since October 7, 2023 has risen to 163 martyrs, while the number of martyrs in the West Bank has reached 635, including 147 child martyrs, 9 female martyrs, and 7 elderly martyrs. Source: Maan News Agency

Nablus Ma'an - The Red Crescent reported that a woman was injured by bullet shrapnel during the occupation forces' storming of Balata camp, east of Nablus. The occupation forces stormed the eastern area of ??Nablus from the Awarta military checkpoint, and fired live bullets in Jerusalem Street and Balata Camp, before withdrawing. Source: Maan News Agency

Jordan Valley - Ma'an - Settlers fenced off a dirt road and set fire to mountainous lands in the northern Jordan Valley on Sunday. The settlement file official in Tubas Governorate, Moataz Basharat, reported that a number of settlers began fencing the dirt road leading to the homes of citizens in Nab' Ghazal in the northern Jordan Valley. Settlers also set fire to mountainous lands in Khirbet Yarza, east of Tubas. Citizens expressed their fear that the fire would reach their homes. Source: Maan News Agency

Jerusalem - Ma'an - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We are conducting give-and-take negotiations, not 'give-and-take,' and the principles we have set are essential for Israel's security." He added: Israel is ready to confront any threat, whether defensively or offensively, noting that "strong military and political pressure is the way to release the detainees." "Pressure in the negotiations should be directed towards Hamas and Sinwar, not against the Israeli government," he said. "Israel is engaged in very complex negotiations," he said. Source: Maan News Agency

The Saudi Logistics Academy (SLA) has announced the offering of the CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply, which includes more than 120 hours of intensive training with top experts. The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is the world's largest professional body for procurement and supply. It is a non-profit organization serving the public, with the largest membership base of procurement and supply professionals globally. CIPS covers all key industries, sectors, and activities and has a global reach, with over 115,000 members in 150 countries. The training is set to begin on Monday, September 2, 2024. The program aims to introduce participants to best practices in procurement and supply, provide a clear understanding of facts, procedures, and concepts related to the field, and enable effective interpretation of information and ideas. It will also equip them with the skills to identify, collect, and utilize relevant information. This will be achieved through training modul es that cover procurement and supply delivery, procurement and supply operations, stakeholder relationships, systems technology, and inventory and logistics. This initiative is part of the SLA's efforts to establish itself as a leading training center, providing training solutions to qualify and support national talent specializing in logistics services. The SLA is committed to offering training and qualification programs aligned with accredited certifications in procurement and supply. Through granting specialized training certificates in the logistics sector, the SLA aims to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub while also supporting initiatives and projects under the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services. The SLA invites those interested in enrolling in one of its programs and learning about the requirements and training phases to visit its website (www.sla.edu.sa) and follow its social media accounts. Source: Saudi Press Agency

More than 6.7 million students have commenced the new academic year 1446 AH across over 31,000 schools in all regions and provinces of the Kingdom. The educational process for this academic year has begun smoothly under the continuous monitoring of the Ministry of Education. The ministry is focused on cultivating a stimulating educational environment for students, fostering positivity, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the educational processes within schools. To achieve these goals, the ministry has activated psychological preparation programs within the education departments, aiming to foster psychological, social, and educational harmony in the school environment for students transitioning to new grade levels. Additionally, the ministry has launched awareness initiatives centered on values, along with programs promoting volunteering and scouting. Regarding educators, the ministry has introduced the Hayyak program to welcome teachers contracted to teach this year across various educati on departments, addressing needs across all specialties. The program aims to equip these teachers to work efficiently and effectively in public schools across different regions and provinces. Contracts have been prearranged with over 12,000 teachers for contractual employment to meet needs across all specialties, complemented by more than 500,000 teachers who have returned to their respective schools in regions and provinces. The ministry has strengthened its collaborations with various government and private sector entities through an integrated partnership system to ensure the smooth operation and success of the academic year's educational processes. Furthermore, the ministry has deepened its connections with students' families to ensure the consistent attendance and success of their children in school. Parents are encouraged to actively support their children by accompanying them to school during the initial days of classes. Source: Saudi Press Agency