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AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday reiterated that Jordan continues its efforts to stop Israel’s aggression on Gaza and illegal actions in the West Bank.

Speaking during a Lower House session, Safadi said that Israel breached the prisoner exchange agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, noting that Israel resumed its assault on Gaza after cutting off humanitarian, medical, and food aid to the enclave since early March, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported,

Safadi said that the agreement established a joint Egyptian-Qatari operations room to monitor compliance, which recorded over 900 Israeli ceasefire violations in the past 40 days. "These violations included military operations that killed more than 70 Gazans and restrictions on essential aid, including caravans and tents for displaced residents," he added.

The top diplomat also said that Israel has destroyed more than 70 per cent of Gaza’s infrastructure, including homes, schools, mosques, churches, and roads, and has further worsened the humanitarian crisis by cutting off electricity and severely limiting access to drinking water by attacking supply stations.

He reiterated that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, Jordan remains committed to pressuring Israel to cease its aggression and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.  He added that Jordan’s diplomatic efforts extend to key international decision-making centres, including the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, which met in Cairo on Sunday with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Safadi also emphasised that the Egyptian initiative has evolved into a broader Arab proposal, demonstrating that Gaza can be rebuilt without displacing its residents. He also reaffirmed Jordan’s firm rejection of forced displacement, a position repeatedly underscored by His Majesty, warning that any such action would pose serious risks to regional security and stability.

The foreign minister also stressed that Israel has shown no intention of adhering to the agreement, continuing its escalations in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria at a time when the new government is focused on rebuilding its homeland.

AMMAN — The Northern Military Zone on Saturday thwarted an infiltration attempt by two individuals attempting to cross into Jordan from Syrian territory, within its area of responsibility.

A military source from the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) said that Border Guard forces applied the rules of engagement, leading to the arrest of the two individuals as they attempted to cross the borders illegally.

The suspects were handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation, the source added.

The source reaffirmed that the JAF remain committed to preventing infiltration and smuggling attempts, ensuring the security and stability of the Kingdom.

AMMAN — The Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue convened on Sunday to discuss the Kingdom's ongoing political modernisation efforts, bringing together political and parliamentary figures.

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat said that Jordan’s modernisation process has been guided by the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, stressing that as the country enters its second centennial, it is pursuing a long-term reform vision spanning more than 25 years, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Monday. 

Odat highlighted key constitutional amendments since 2010, including the establishment of the Constitutional Court and the Independent Election Commission (IEC). 

He said that these measures were foundational steps in Jordan’s broader reform agenda, culminating in the major reform initiative launched in 2021.

The initiative introduced constitutional amendments and new election and political party laws aimed at enhancing political participation and strengthening party engagement, he added.

IEC Chairman Musa Maaytah noted that the commission’s mandate is limited to implementing laws, with legislative development occurring within constitutional frameworks.

He noted that Jordan has moved beyond the experimental phase of democratic reform, pointing to increased competition among political parties as a sign of progress. 

Maaytah reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity and fostering broader political engagement.

Minister of Social Development and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa stressed that Jordan’s reform process has been comprehensive, integrating political, economic, and administrative modernisation. 

She announced that an updated National Social Protection Strategy is scheduled to be launched in the coming period.

Bani Mustafa noted that past reforms were often fragmented, whereas the current approach ensures a cohesive and multidimensional framework. 

The minister also underscored the importance of youth participation in political parties, stressing that efforts to empower women and youth should be viewed as integral to the broader political landscape.

Former prime minister Adnan Badran acknowledged the progress Jordan has made despite regional challenges, attributing this to the country’s stability. 

He highlighted the role of recent constitutional amendments in reinforcing the separation of powers and fostering greater political balance. 

President of the Jordan Forum for Policy Dialogue Hamid Bataineh said that Jordan remains committed to the reform agenda initiated in 2021, which has provided momentum for political engagement alongside economic and administrative modernization.

He noted that these reforms were introduced "proactively" during a period of stability rather than in response to external or internal pressures, reflecting a forward-looking national strategy.

Father Nabil Haddad highlighted the Kingdom's unifying national values, noting that the forum coincided with both Ramadan and the Christian fasting season, symbolising the country’s social cohesion. 

He reiterated that Jordan remains a Kingdom committed to unity, inclusion, and shared national identity.

AMMAN — Director General of the Royal Hashemite Documentation Centre (RHDC) Muhannad Mubaideen and Director General of the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Fairouz Mubaideen on Monday discussed enhancing collaboration on publishing media materials that highlight key periods in Jordan’s history.

During the meeting, which included the agency’s press department directors, both sides explored ways to present Jordanian historical documents through news reports, feature stories, and data journalism, Petra reported. 

They also discussed turning these materials into video content for Petra’s digital platforms to reach a broader audience.

The two sides agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding, to be signed at a later date, to guide the publication of Jordanian historical documents using innovative media content that aligns with national goals to preserve the Kingdom’s history and provide accurate information to the public.

RHDC director-general praised Petra’s role in bolstering Jordanian media and its efforts to share news and historical content that reflect the Kingdom’s rich heritage. 

He stressed the centre’s commitment to supporting these initiatives to raise historical awareness in Jordan.

Fairouz expressed Petra’s eagerness to work together in showcasing Jordan’s historical documents and fostering greater public understanding of the Kingdom’s heritage. 

She stressed the importance of presenting these documents in "compelling" ways, utilising modern technology to broaden access to information and spark discussions on Jordan’s history.

She also highlighted Petra’s commitment to adopting advanced media technologies to align with global trends, which will help expand its reach both locally and internationally, ultimately boosting Jordan’s image worldwide.

AMMAN — In a "historic" move to boost international cultural and tourism collaboration, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has signed a twinning agreement with the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome. 

The agreement aims to foster promotional cooperation between the two sites, both of which were selected in 2007 as part of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

The deal seeks to enhance cultural understanding, tourism marketing, and promotion between the two sides, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

PDTRA Chief Commissioner Fares Braizat and Director General of the Colosseum Archaeological Park Alfonsina Russo signed the agreement.

Braizat explained that the agreement is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to develop Petra economically, culturally, and as a tourism destination. 

He stressed that the agreement will open new horizons for cultural exchange and tourism marketing, allowing Petra promotional materials to be displayed at the Colosseum, which attracts approximately 14 million visitors annually. 

Russo affirmed that the agreement is in line with the Colosseum's efforts to collaborate with global institutions in enhancing the role of culture in bridging civilisations, the statement said. 

She highlighted the importance of boosting cooperation with Petra, one of the world’s most famous ancient cities and archaeological sites. 

The agreement focuses on supporting collaboration in several areas, including organising workshops for the preservation of archaeological sites, holding joint cultural events, and exchanging information on mutual activities between the two sides. 

It also includes creating reciprocal visit programmes to promote both sites, along with the presentation of promotional materials and introductory videos to be displayed at each site. 

Both sides stressed that this agreement is not merely a cooperation pact but symbolises a global partnership that contributes to the enhancement of the cultural and historical heritage of both Petra and the Colosseum, further solidifying their status as world-renowned tourist destinations attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. 

Petra has previously signed several twinning agreements with prominent sites such as the Alhambra and Generalife in Spain, as well as with the municipality of Barbarano Romano in Italy.

The authority is also working on establishing additional twinning agreements with other New Seven Wonders of the World in the coming period, according to the statement.