Day: March 8, 2026

Beirut: Seven people were killed, and seven others were wounded in Israeli artillery shelling targeting the town of Yahmor Al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon, a Lebanese security source said. The source added that Israeli artillery is shelling several border towns simultaneously with heavy airstrikes carried out by warplanes, noting that six members of the same family were killed in a strike on the town of Al-Duwair and that their bodies were transferred to local hospitals.

According to Jordan News Agency, a source at the Lebanese Ministry of Health said that the airstrikes and aerial bombardment left 80 people dead and dozens wounded today.

Amman: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship announced the pilot inauguration of a government services center in North Amman. The step aimed at facilitating citizens’ access to public services within a “modern and integrated” service environment.

According to Jordan News Agency, the center offers 116 government services through 23 public institutions, enabling citizens to complete their transactions in one place efficiently, saving them time and effort. The center, located in Amman’s Abu Nseir district at Ghazi Qudah Street, serves the area’s residents and surrounding neighborhoods. It operates as a “model” of government services centers that consolidate several institutions in one location.

The center’s launch is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to develop and improve the quality of services provided to citizens. It aims to enhance the recipient experience at government service centers by integrating a comprehensive model and digital solutions to streamline procedures and expedite transactions. On its goals, the ministry stated that the center’s trial inauguration aims to ensure service readiness and the efficiency of procedures ahead of the official opening, guaranteeing a service experience that meets citizens’ needs.

Amman: The Zakat Fund, in partnership with the Directorate of Waqf Programs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites, hosted a Ramadan iftar for orphans at the Armed Forces Hotel. This event was part of the Orphan Day of the Islamic world activities.

According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Awqaf Mohammed Khalaileh, who attended the iftar ceremony, underscored the significance of supporting orphans, describing it as a religious and humanitarian responsibility that reflects societal values of solidarity and compassion. He commended the Zakat Fund’s efforts in assisting orphans and families in need.

Director General of the Zakat Fund, Abed Smeirat, stated that this iftar is one of the ongoing initiatives by the fund to provide care for orphans and uplift their spirits. He highlighted the coordination between Awqaf directorates and Zakat departments across various governorates, which organized similar iftars to promote social solidarity.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Grand Mufti Ahmad Hasahat and Secretary General of the Ministry of Awqaf Ismail al-Khatba. During the event, Minister Khalaileh distributed “Eidiya” (monetary gifts) to orphaned children. The event also featured entertainment for children and recognized Kholoud al-Assaf, the retiring head of the Orphan Sponsorship Department, for her dedication to serving orphans.

Jordan, along with other Islamic countries, observes the Orphan Day of the Islamic world on the 15th of Ramadan each year. The day was established in 2013 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to promote awareness of orphans’ rights and issues, and to bring joy to their lives through iftars and support.

Amman: Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Mazen Qadi, stated that the chamber will address the 2026 draft amendments to the Social Security Corporation Law with the highest degree of scrutiny, emphasizing that deliberations will follow a sound legislative methodology that safeguards citizens’ rights and serves the national interest.

According to Jordan News Agency, Qadi, while chairing part of a meeting of the Lower House’s Labor, Social Development, and Population Committee, highlighted the significant national importance and sensitivity of the draft law, underscoring the necessity for an objective and thorough review. He urged the committee, led by Representative Andre Hawari, to develop a comprehensive work plan to examine the draft legislation article by article, ensuring full impartiality and transparency, and prioritizing the interests of subscribers while preserving the sustainability of the Social Security Corporation.

Qadi emphasized that the Lower House will approach the draft law with a strong sense of national responsibility, aiming to achieve a balanced legislative framework that strengthens social protection and preserves citizens’ rights. He assured that the chamber will allocate sufficient time for deliberation, and once the committee completes its review, the legislation will receive full consideration during parliamentary sessions. Lawmakers will be given adequate opportunity to present proposals and observations without rush.

Qadi also announced plans to initiate a broad national dialogue on the draft law, involving labor and professional unions, political parties, civil society organizations, economists, private sector representatives, and retirees. An electronic platform will be introduced to enable citizens to submit comments and proposals on the draft legislation, aiming to expand public participation in the legislative process and enhance transparency and confidence in the social security system, a key pillar of social protection in the Kingdom.

First Deputy Speaker Khamis Atieh reinforced the importance of approaching the draft law with responsibility and constructive dialogue to achieve a balance between safeguarding the rights of subscribers and retirees and ensuring the financial sustainability of the Social Security Corporation. Meanwhile, Hawari announced that the committee will hold a press conference on Monday to outline its work plan for examining the draft law and respond to media inquiries. An electronic platform will also be launched to receive input from subscribers, experts, and stakeholders to enrich the legislative discussion.

Hawari noted that the committee’s meeting on Sunday focused on finalizing its review mechanism and coordinating among members to ensure a comprehensive and organized legislative process. He stressed that the committee will conduct an in-depth review of all provisions of the draft law and consider amendments that reassure subscribers and the broader public while maintaining the sustainability of the social security system. The meeting included extensive discussions among several lawmakers on mechanisms for studying the draft legislation and formulating recommendations that serve the public interest and support the long-term stability of the social security system.

Kuwait city: The Kuwait Ministry of Defense reported that the Kuwait Armed Forces have successfully destroyed three ballistic missiles in southern Kuwait and partially intercepted a wave of hostile drones entering the country’s airspace over the past 24 hours.

According to Jordan News Agency, Colonel Saud Al-Otaibi, the ministry spokesperson, stated that Kuwait’s air defenses effectively intercepted and destroyed the missiles in the south. Air defense systems and fighter jets were deployed to track the drones, leading to the destruction of several, which resulted in debris falling.

Al-Otaibi further mentioned that two drones targeted fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport in the Subhan area, while another drone targeted the headquarters of the Public Institution for Social Security in Kuwait City. There were no human casualties reported in these incidents.

Amman: The Ministry of Local Administration reiterated its call to citizens and business owners to quickly take advantage of the Cabinet’s decision to grant discounts and exemptions on building and land tax (musaqafat), as well as other property, leasing and road levies and fees, for people who pay before the end of March 31.

According to Jordan News Agency, these payments target beneficiaries within municipal boundaries and the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). In a statement Sunday, the ministry noted the decision grants a 20% discount on property taxes, education, and sewage fees if all outstanding dues from previous years are fully paid.

The ministry added that people who pay on time will also receive a full exemption for any penalties for previously failing to pay these taxes and fees. Under the decision, a 25% leasing reduction is provided for tenants of properties and buildings owned by municipalities and the GAM, provided that beneficiaries pay the outstanding amount or begin paying it in installments before the set deadline.

The ministry said e-payment channels are available to streamline procedures for citizens, which include the unified municipal services portal, the “Sanad” application, or the “eFAWATEERcom” service after obtaining an e-payment number from the relevant municipality. Additionally, the ministry confirmed direct payments will continue to be accepted at municipal offices.

On its goals, this decision is part of a series of government measures aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens and economic sectors to settle their financial obligations, which would “positively” impact the level of services and strengthen the values of social solidarity.