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AMMAN — Jordan's permanent representative to the Arab League Amjad Adaileh on Wednesday participated in an emergency meeting of the Arab League Council.

The extraordinary session, chaired by Yemen, was convened at the request of Palestine and supported by several Arab states, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The meeting focused on the escalating situation in the Palestinian territories, particularly in light of Israel's renewed aggression against Gaza, which has included direct bombardment of densely populated civilian areas.

The escalation comes as Gaza’s residents endure an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing blockade and widespread destruction caused by relentless airstrikes, according to the statement.

The devastation has led to a complete collapse of the region’s infrastructure, along with severe shortages of food, medicine, and water, while international calls for action remain largely unanswered.

The meeting called for immediate measures to halt the aggression, provide urgent protection for Palestinian civilians, and lift the unjust blockade on Gaza.

It also emphasised the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state. The Arab League also urged immediate action to stop Israeli massacres and hold those responsible accountable in international courts.

AMMAN — Health Minister Firas Hawari on Wednesday inaugurated six newly developed drug storage warehouses and a regional vaccination centre in Irbid, northern Jordan.

The facilities, funded by the European Union (EU) and developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Jordan, aim to enhance the Kingdom’s medical supply chain, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The opening ceremony was attended by EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhi, WHO Representative in Jordan Jamila Raabi, and several senior Ministry of Health officials.

Hawari said that the new warehouses and vaccination centre are part of broader efforts to modernise Jordan’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the efficient and equitable distribution of medicines and vaccines in line with the government’s Economic Modernisation Vision.

“This initiative follows the establishment of the Strategic Medical Stockpile warehouse in Yajouz, inaugurated by His Majesty King Abdullah last year. These new facilities will now support regional stores, hospitals, health directorates, and primary healthcare centres in the north,” Hawari said.

The expanded northern warehouses now have a total capacity of 2,650 cubic metres, featuring specialised shelving systems, a refrigerated storage unit of 75 cubic metres for temperature-sensitive medicines, and a fleet of refrigerated medical transport vehicles to ensure safe and efficient distribution.

The project, valued at JD850,000, is expected to enhance Jordan’s ability to manage medical supplies effectively.

Hawari expressed appreciation for the EU’s support and the WHO’s role in implementing the project, highlighting that these improvements will bolster Jordan’s response to health emergencies and align with international supply chain standards.

The regional vaccination centre, spanning 480 square metres, is equipped with two cold storage rooms with a combined capacity of 80 cubic metres, alongside additional storage space for dry goods and medical supplies totalling 160 cubic metres.

Built to international standards, the centre is designed to enhance vaccine safety, efficiency, and cost-effective distribution. The facility was developed at a cost of JD400,000.

Chatzisavas commended the project as a key milestone in Jordan’s progress towards universal health coverage, noting that the EU’s 43 million euro healthcare programme is instrumental in strengthening Jordan’s medical supply chain and benefiting both Jordanians and Syrian refugees.

Balkhi stressed that equitable access to safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines and vaccines is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. She noted that the infrastructure improvements align with WHO’s regional initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable access to medical supplies.

Raabi said that these facilities are part of a larger EU-funded initiative that includes the construction or renovation of 14 warehouses across Jordan.

By the end of March, the project will establish a nationwide network of modern medical storage infrastructure, meeting international standards.

AMMAN — The Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday treated dozens of injured civilians following a new wave of Israeli airstrikes on the Strip, providing emergency first aid and critical care to the wounded.

According to the hospital's commander, 24 people were admitted for treatment after sustaining injuries in the Israeli bombardment of Khan Younis, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The hospital director said that the injuries included internal bleeding, abdominal trauma requiring surgery, complex fractures, brain and arterial injuries, pneumothorax, pulmonary haemorrhage, and shrapnel wounds. He emphasised that patients received specialised medical care through the hospital’s surgical units and emergency facilities.

Since beginning its mission on January 12, the Jordanian Field Hospital South Gaza has treated 32,414 medical cases, performed more than 1,237 major and minor surgeries, and fitted 403 prosthetic limbs as part of the "Restoring Hope" initiative for Gaza.

Jordan runs two military field hospitals in Gaza, one in the Strip's north, which was established in 2009 following the war in 2008.

The second was established in Khan Younis in the south in November 2023 at the peak of the Israeli war of aggression on the coastal enclave that erupted on October 7, 2023.

Besides the field hospitals in Gaza, the JAF established the Jordanian field hospital in Nablus in late November 2023. It has conducted over 900 surgeries and has received more than 83,000 patients ever since.

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AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved the first 13 articles of the 2025 draft amendments to the Customs Law.

During the session, chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by government officials, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Awdat described the amendments as “critical and highly significant.”

He emphasized that the changes would enhance the efficiency of customs clearance, reduce costs, and shorten processing times for traders, ultimately benefiting consumers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Director General of the Jordan Customs Department Brig. Gen. Ahmad Akalik reassured lawmakers that the reforms would not jeopardise workers' rights or result in job losses, stressing that the amendments would create new job opportunities, particularly in electronic monitoring and surveillance.

The introduction of digital controls, he said, would allow traders to track their shipments in real-time, while still maintaining traditional physical inspections by customs staff.

Several MPs voiced their support for the amendments, noting that they would streamline procedures for businesses and close existing loopholes in the current law.

In response to concerns about high customs tariffs, some lawmakers pointed out that Jordan’s tariffs on essential goods are lower than those in many other countries by about 35 per cent while some basic goods are subject to zero tariffs.

One of the main points of debate revolved around the timeframe for implementing the amended law. While the government had proposed a 30-day implementation period after the law’s publication in the Official Gazette, the Lower House extended it to 60 days, overriding the government’s recommendation.

The amendments empower customs authorities to verify the actual existence of imported goods and examine related records through both digital and physical inspections. Officials will have the authority to inspect goods, collect samples and apply risk management protocols in line with ministerial guidelines.

In response to concerns about smuggling penalties, the changes specify that customs duties and taxes on smuggled goods will now be based on their assessed value at the time of seizure, rather than their value at the time of discovery.

Additionally, the new law stipulates that the value of goods for customs purposes will be determined based on whichever is higher: their assessed market value or their final sale price. Customs officials will also have the power to suspend clearance procedures if there is credible evidence of trademark or copyright infringement, even before definitive proof is established.

Under the amendments, traders will be allowed to request modifications to customs declarations after submission, as long as customs inspections have not yet commenced. Customs authorities will also be permitted to conduct audits and inspections within three months of goods being cleared.

The Economic and Investment Parliamentary Committee, which previously endorsed the amendments, highlighted that the reforms aim to improve customs efficiency, attract investment, and align Jordan’s trade regulations with international standards. The updated draft law also introduces provisions for electronic notifications regarding customs-related decisions.

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday condemned the assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah stressed Jordan’s unequivocal rejection of all forms of political violence, particularly attacks targeting public and political figures, according to a Ministry statement.

He also expressed Jordan’s solidarity with Somalia, emphasising the Kingdom’s full support for President Mohamud, his family, and the Somali people in the wake of the tragic incident.

AMMAN – Jordan's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced new regulations for delivery services, a move that is expected to significantly impact the country’s restaurant sector.

The regulations, which apply to motorbike and vehicle-based deliveries, aim to enhance service quality, improve driver safety, and strengthen regulatory oversight in an industry that has become essential to restaurant operations, according to a TRC statement shared with The Jordan Times.

Under the new framework, delivery platforms and service providers will be required to meet stricter standards, including more rigorous driver verification processes, performance monitoring, and the use of vehicles that comply with updated safety regulations. Additionally, the TRC is creating a centralised driver database to increase transparency and accountability.

For restaurant owners, the regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While some see the new rules as a positive step toward professionalising the industry, others are concerned about the potential for increased costs and operational disruptions.

“These rules will enhance service reliability and driver safety, benefiting both businesses and customers,” said Anas Rateb, owner of a local restaurant in Amman. “However, the added compliance costs could become a burden for many businesses.”

Omar Awad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners, emphasised the transformative effect that online food delivery has had on the industry. “Many restaurants now rely heavily on digital platforms to reach customers,” he said. “While we expect some initial disruptions as companies adjust, these regulations could lead to a more stable and efficient delivery ecosystem in the long term.”

The new rules come at a time when restaurants are already grappling with high inflation and shifting consumer preferences. Some industry players worry that smaller establishments may struggle to meet the new delivery standards without passing the additional costs onto customers.“Increased oversight is beneficial, but it must be accompanied by support measures for the sector,” Awad said.

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, which resulted in multiple casualties.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a "blatant violation of international law, an infringement on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a dangerous escalation that exacerbates regional tensions and conflict."

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reiteratedJordan’s support for Syria’s security, stability, and sovereignty. He also urged the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel to stop its illegal provocations and occupation of Syrian territory.

Qudah also emphasised the need for Israel to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions, which mandate respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.