Features Archives - CrossFireArarbia

Abdul Salam Haniyeh: ‘My Father Was an Educator, Leader, a Friend’

CrossFireArabia
August 2, 2026

Abdul Salam Haniyeh, the son of slain Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, said more than 75 members of his immediate family and 250 members of the wider Al-Hajj clan have been killed during Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with Anadolu marking the second year of his father’s assassination, Abdul Salam described Türkiye as “a political supporter of the Palestinian people,” praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s backing of the Palestinian cause and expressed hope that mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye would succeed in securing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Family portrait bears scars of war

Standing before a large family portrait hanging on the wall, Abdul Salam pointed to the faces of relatives killed during the war.

He identified Ismail Haniyeh’s three sons — Mohammed, Hazem and Amir — along with several grandchildren who were killed in an Israeli strike April 10, 2024, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“More than 75 members of the Haniyeh family have been martyred during the war,” he said, adding that 250 members of the broader Al-Hajj clan had also been killed.

‘Teacher, mentor and caring father’

Abdul Salam described his father as a man who combined the roles of father, educator, leader and friend.

“At home, my father was a teacher, mentor, leader, caring father and friend,” he said.

He said Ismail Haniyeh treated his children as friends, regularly sought their opinions and remained closely connected to his extended family.

“We miss his beautiful voice, his warm presence, our meetings with him and our Quran recitation sessions at home,” he said.

Quoting Arabic poetry, he added, “In the darkest night, the full moon is most missed.”

‘Remain among the people’

One of his father’s most important pieces of advice was never to become detached from ordinary people or from Gaza City’s Beach refugee camp, where the family was raised, according to Abdul Salam.

“He always advised us to remain among the people, for the people, and close to our family, neighbors and mosque, because the people are one’s greatest asset in this life,” he said.

He said his father urged his children to stay humble, preserve family ties, serve their community, maintain their prayers and Quran recitation, and support people in times of grief and joy.

“He always reminded us that he could leave this world at any moment and that we should uphold these values after his death,” he added.

‘Still present in our people’s lives’

Abdul Salam said his father continues to occupy a prominent place in Palestinian public life two years after his assassination.

“He remains present in every aspect of our people’s lives,” he said, citing continued public, political and media commemoration of his legacy.

He argued that remembering Palestinian leaders who were killed reinforces the message that the Palestinian struggle will continue.

Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated July 31, 2024, at his residence in Tehran after attending the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for the assassination in December 2024.

‘Türkiye is a political supporter’

Abdul Salam said Türkiye hosts thousands of Palestinians and has consistently provided political and humanitarian support.

He praised Erdogan’s stance on Gaza and his support for the Palestinian cause.

“Türkiye stands with the Palestinian people under President Erdogan and is making every effort to end the occupation of Palestinian land, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, and to establish a Palestinian state,” he said. “There is a feeling that we have political support from Türkiye under President Erdogan.”

He highlighted Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly and in contacts with the US administration.

Public solidarity should influence leaders

Abdul Salam welcomed growing international public support for the Palestinian cause, including recognition of the State of Palestine by several European countries.

But he argued that popular solidarity must translate into political action.

“The message of the people must reach the tables of international political leaders so that the conflict ends, the occupation ends and the Palestinian state is established,” he said.

He urged European countries and the broader international community to work toward ending the war, ending the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and stopping settler attacks.

He said more than 1.8 million Palestinians are living in tents while Israel controls more than 70% of the Gaza Strip and much of the enclave’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

Hope for Egypt-Qatar-Türkiye mediation

Abdul Salam expressed hope that mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye would lead to implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

“We are in the midst of mediation by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, and we hope there will soon be implementation of the agreement and that Israel will abide by it,” he said.

He praised the role played by the three countries and said he hoped the agreement would restore hope, reconstruction and normal life to Gaza and lead to a full Israeli withdrawal.

His remarks come as Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye continue efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire roadmap after consultations with Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

The Board of Peace and US President Donald Trump announced an agreement Friday on implementing the next phase of the ceasefire, with the board saying Hamas had approved a detailed roadmap.

‘Gaza’s children deserve to live’

Abdul Salam addressed the people of Gaza. “We are from you, and you are from us,” he said.

He said Gaza’s children are appealing to the world to stop the violence after more than 30,000 children have been killed during the war.

“The children of Gaza and Palestine deserve to live like children everywhere else, to build their future, receive an education, and live with hope and stability,” he said.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect Oct. 10, 2025, Palestinian authorities said Israel has continued to violate the agreement, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 1,222 people have since been killed and 4,053 injured.

The ministry said the overall death toll since October 2023 has reached 73,349, with 174,162 injured. Anadolu

Features News

Top Oman Everest Climber Dies in Pakistan

marwan
August 2, 2026

Oman has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of pioneering mountaineer Nadhira bint Ahmed Al Harthy on Thursday, whose life was cut short in a devastating avalanche while climbing in northern Pakistan, bringing an abrupt end to the extraordinary journey of the woman who inspired a generation by carrying the Omani flag to some of the world’s highest and most dangerous peaks.

Nadhira was among a 10-strong team of climbers reported missing following the avalanche in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan while attempting to climb Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 metres. Her death – alongside that of the Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung – was announced by the Alpine Club of Pakistan on social media on Friday.

Nadhira etched her name into Oman’s history books in 2019 when she became the first Omani woman to conquer Mount Everest, planting the national flag atop the world’s highest mountain and inspiring countless young Omanis to dream beyond perceived limits.

Nadhira, who was the second Omani national to summit Mount Everest after late Khalid Al Siyabi, became a landmark figure for adventurers across the Sultanate of Oman.

Among the seven still missing from the 10-person expedition on Broad Peak, is renowned Nepal-born climber Nirmal Purja. The multinational climbing group was being led by Purja. He is known for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000m-plus mountains in just over six months in 2019.

Three of four climbers’ bodies have been located by Pakistani search crews.

Nadhira’s death triggered an unprecedented wave of grief across the Sultanate, with ministries, senior officials, diplomats, sports personalities and ordinary citizens paying tribute to a woman widely regarded as a symbol of courage, resilience and national pride.

Tributes also spread widely across social media, where thousands of Omanis shared messages celebrating her legacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is working closely with the relevant Pakistani authorities to complete the formalities required to repatriate Al Harthy’s body to Oman after it was recovered during a difficult search and recovery mission on Broad Peak. Times of Oman

In a statement, a spokesperson for the ministry’s Consular Department expressed profound sorrow over the loss, while extending heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

The ministry also highlighted that Nadhira’s impact reached far beyond mountaineering.

As Chairperson of the Oman-Nepal Friendship Association, she played a significant role in strengthening humanitarian and cultural relations between Oman and Nepal, promoting friendship, cooperation and community engagement.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth described her as one of Oman’s most inspiring personalities, saying her life represented ambition, perseverance and determination. The ministry said the nation had lost an exceptional figure whose achievements would continue to inspire future generations long after her passing.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority also mourned her death, remembering her as a passionate advocate of safety awareness. The authority said she consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to safety procedures during her expeditions and actively supported initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of safety throughout society.

Condolences poured in from prominent Omani figures who remembered not only her remarkable achievements but also her character and determination.

Saud Al Harthy described his cousin as a young woman defined by resilience, strength and an unwavering determination to succeed. He said she had left behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments that would continue to elevate Oman’s name on the international stage.

Former leading women’s sports administrator Saada Al Ismaili paid tribute to what she described as her inspiring national, educational, sporting and historical legacy. She praised her ability to pursue the demanding mountaineering pursuits, while proudly raising Oman’s flag atop some of the world’s most challenging mountains.

Khalid Al Muslahi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, described Nadhira as the embodiment of perseverance and determination. He said she would forever be remembered as the first Omani woman to stand on the summit of Mount Everest and as a lasting symbol of courage whose legacy would remain deeply rooted in the hearts of Omanis.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Naveed Safdar Bokhari, also expressed his condolences.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic news of demise of Nadhira Al Harthy in an avalanche accident. She was a legend in the field of mountaineering and a great source of inspiration for millions. I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire Omani nation.”

Nadhira’s high-altitude accomplishments also included successful summits of several of the world’s most formidable 8,000m peaks, including Manaslu, K2, and Nanga Parbat.

She became the first Arab woman to reach the summit of Nepal’s challenging Ama Dablam. Earlier in her mountaineering career, she had also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

To many Omanis, however, her greatest achievement extended beyond records and summits. She became a role model who inspired women, young people and aspiring adventurers to pursue ambitious dreams while proudly representing their country on the world stage.

Following a challenging search and recovery operation, Nadhira’s body was recovered from Broad Peak and was transported by helicopter to Skardu. From there, arrangements are being made to repatriate her remains to Oman, where family, friends and the nation will bid a final farewell to a woman whose courage took the Omani flag to the roof of the world—and whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Times of Oman

Features News

How Can We Protect The ICC?

marwan
July 30, 2026

The coordinated actions to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) and hinder its jurisdiction are deeply troubling and signal a dangerous path forward. This trend has become apparent with Venezuela and Chad announcing plans to withdraw from the Rome Statute. This occurs alongside clear US incitement efforts against the Court, including sanctions on its officials, and the European state parties’ lack of substantial action on arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

These actions risk undermining the international criminal justice system and depriving victims of international crimes of one of the few remaining accountability mechanisms, thereby entrenching impunity for perpetrators and providing political and legal cover for ongoing grave violations of international law.

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor expresses deep concern over the Chadian government’s announcement that it has begun the process of withdrawing from the ICC. This comes shortly after Venezuela notified the United Nations of its withdrawal, following similar notifications from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These actions indicate a concerning trend of countries moving away from the Rome Statute, both within and outside Africa.

Chad plays a crucial role in Darfur investigations because of its direct border with the region and its large refugee, survivor, and witness populations. It has also recently supported ICC teams in documenting crimes. Although Chad’s withdrawal does not legally remove the Court’s jurisdiction over Darfur crimes, it may significantly hinder access to victims and evidence and impede cooperative efforts.

Additionally, Venezuela’s decision is especially significant because it occurs during an active investigation by the Court into alleged crimes against humanity since April 2017. This investigation involves suspected state security forces, civilian authorities, and pro-government actors. There are serious concerns that the withdrawal might be used as a tool to hinder cooperation and reduce chances of holding accountable those responsible for the crimes under investigation.

Venezuela and Chad’s simultaneous withdrawal decisions, along with similar actions by other states, reveal a coordinated effort to weaken the Court through two main strategies. The first involves a fierce campaign led by the United States with Israeli backing, employing sanctions, threats, and public rhetoric to encourage states to withdraw. The second consists of internal weakening tactics by state parties’ governments, such as withdrawing during investigations, ignoring cooperation duties, or selectively enforcing decisions while refusing to arrest or surrender wanted individuals.

Washington’s welcoming of Venezuela and Chad’s withdrawals on 25 and 27 July are part of a broader campaign, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 13 July, aimed at dismantling the Court.

The successive withdrawals primarily harm the victims by limiting their access to justice, rather than penalising the Court as an institution. This situation gives perpetrators of international crimes more room for impunity, especially when there are no effective, independent national judicial alternatives.

The criticisms levelled at the ICC regarding slow procedures, selectivity in case handling, and limited outcomes, particularly concerning crimes committed outside Africa, are legitimate and demand serious structural reforms to strengthen the Court’s independence, efficiency, and consistency. However, addressing these shortcomings must not be done by dismantling or withdrawing from the Court, but by reforming it, enhancing its effectiveness, and ensuring it exercises its jurisdiction free from political interference or selectivity.

Past operational failures should not justify undermining the Court’s authority. The bias within the international justice system highlights the need to reform accountability mechanisms and broaden their scope, rather than weakening the few tools available to hold perpetrators of the gravest international crimes accountable.

Euro-Med Monitor points out the irony of the US administration exploiting African concerns about ICC selectivity while simultaneously intensifying its campaign against the international judicial system. This escalation is mainly due to the Court’s expanded reach to include officials in Israel, a key US ally.

Washington’s imposition of financial sanctions and travel restrictions on the ICC Prosecutor, judges, and deputy prosecutors due to their work on cases involving US and Israeli officials represents a blatant interference in the independence of international justice. These measures not only intimidate Court staff and block access to vital financial and technical resources but also discourage banks, corporations, organisations, and experts from cooperating, which hampers investigations, delays enforcement of decisions, and limits victims’ access to justice. Moreover, it sets a dangerous precedent that allows powerful states to penalise international justice whenever it targets their officials or allies, thereby broadening impunity.

On 21 November 2024, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, after judges found reasonable grounds to believe they are criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

Both arrest warrants remain in effect and must be obeyed by the parties involved. The argument that the Court lacks jurisdiction because Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute is unfounded, as jurisdiction is based on crimes committed within the territory of the State of Palestine, a member state. This covers the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Therefore, Israel’s non-acceptance of the Rome Statute does not exempt its officials from accountability for crimes allegedly committed on the land of a party state.

The fact that Greece, Italy, and France permitted a government aircraft carrying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fly through their airspace during his recent trip to the United States, despite all three being state parties to the Rome Statute and aware of the active arrest warrant against him, raises serious questions about whether this conduct aligns with their legal duty to cooperate in good faith with the Court and to refrain from undermining its decisions.

Granting prior airspace transit was not compulsory for these states; it was a sovereign choice they could refuse. This decision allowed an individual wanted by the International Criminal Court on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity to pass, which undermines the purpose of the arrest warrant. It also highlights a contradiction: while these states publicly support legal obligations, their actions of helping wanted persons evade arrest contradict their stated commitments.

The European Union’s political backing for the Court diminishes in credibility and practical value when member states allow a judicially wanted official to transit through their territories, instead of denying transit permissions and using their authority to prevent their territories from being used to evade arrest warrants.

Euro-Med Monitor emphasises that Greece, Italy, and France need to give clear legal reasons for granting transit permissions. It is essential to adopt strict, clear protocols to prevent facilitating the movement of wanted persons and ensure their rapid arrest and surrender to the Court if they enter or land in these countries, in line with their obligations under the Rome Statute.

It is important to clearly separate proceedings related to the ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s personal and professional conduct from the Court’s judicial decisions. The process of dismissing or investigating Khan is a separate institutional matter and does not affect the legality of the arrest warrants.

Holding any Court official accountable for misconduct, when proven through independent, fair procedures that ensure the rights of all involved parties and safeguard whistleblowers and victims, is an institutional obligation that upholds the Court’s integrity without threatening its independence. Using individual accountability as a reason to discredit ongoing investigations or nullify independent judicial rulings is unacceptable.

Euro-Med Monitor rebukes any attempts to leverage Khan’s case to challenge the investigation into the situation in Palestine or the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. The warrants were not issued by the Prosecutor in his personal capacity, but by an independent Pre-Trial Chamber that determined, following an evaluation of prosecution submissions, that there were reasonable grounds to believe both individuals bear criminal responsibility for crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction. Consequently, the enforceability and legal validity of the warrants do not depend on Khan remaining in office.

The removal of the Prosecutor does not disrupt the Court’s legal or institutional continuity, nor does it invalidate ongoing investigations or active arrest warrants, including those related to Palestine and Venezuela. Additionally, it does not absolve state parties from their obligation to cooperate fully with the Court and enforce its judicial orders.

A transparent, independent, and competitive process is crucial for selecting a new Prosecutor. This process should be based on clear public criteria for competence, integrity, and experience, ensuring candidates undergo rigorous professional and ethical assessments. It must also shield the selection from political influence and conflicts of interest. The Court must guarantee continuous progress on all cases without delays or bias, avoiding the transitional period being used to disrupt investigations or expose them to pressure from the US and Israel, which could undermine accountability.

Concerning the legal consequences of the withdrawals, notifications from Chad and Venezuela to begin withdrawal procedures do not cause an immediate departure from the Rome Statute. Article 127 states that a withdrawal becomes effective one year after the UN Secretary-General receives written notification, unless a later date is specified. Until that time, both countries remain state parties with legal obligations, including cooperating with the Court and fulfilling its requests.

Venezuela’s withdrawal, even after it takes effect, does not remove the Court’s jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Rome Statute was in force for the country. It also does not end ongoing investigations or cancel cooperation obligations related to proceedings started before the withdrawal became effective. Similarly, Chad’s withdrawal does not impact the Court’s jurisdiction over Darfur crimes or disrupt cooperation processes initiated during its membership. Withdrawal does not erase individual criminal responsibility nor stop the Court from considering issues submitted before it officially took effect.

Chad, Venezuela, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso should reverse their withdrawal decisions, retract their notifications before they become effective, uphold their legal commitments, and collaborate with other States Parties to reform the Court and address operational issues, rather than undermining the international criminal justice system and depriving victims of one of the few accountability tools available.

Concerned states should fully cooperate in relevant cases and investigations. This includes allowing Court investigators access to victims, witnesses, information, and evidence, while ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses and the preservation of evidence. States must also avoid using withdrawal procedures that could hinder investigations or reduce accountability for international crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction.

The United States should stop its efforts to dismantle the Court and lift any financial sanctions and travel restrictions imposed on its judges, prosecutors, and associates. EU member states and other allies need to work together to implement legal, financial, and technical strategies that protect the Court and its personnel from sanctions and political influence, so it can continue to utilise the necessary services and resources to fulfil its responsibilities.

European state parties to the Rome Statute should turn their support for the Court into tangible actions by refusing to accept wanted individuals or allow their transit through their airspace. They must also ensure the arrest and surrender of such individuals on their territories, adhering strictly to legal obligations, including executing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant without bias or political influence.

Euro-Med Monitor calls on state parties to review national legislation and adopt clear, binding protocols for executing arrest and surrender requests, as well as for handling transit, landing, and official visit requests by wanted individuals, thereby preventing procedural loopholes from being exploited to protect them.

It is vital to persist in investigating the situation in the State of Palestine, covering crimes in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. This includes executing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant without bias or political influence and rejecting any efforts to interfere with or alter the investigation’s direction or priorities.

Euro-Med Monitor calls on the Assembly of States Parties to ensure a transparent, independent, and competitive process for choosing and electing the new Prosecutor. This process should be based on published criteria for competence, integrity, and experience, with candidates undergoing comprehensive professional and ethical evaluations. It is also essential to disclose the selection procedures, prevent political interference and conflicts of interest, and thereby protect the independence of the Prosecutor’s Office. These measures are vital for maintaining the trust of victims and Court staff, and for ensuring ongoing investigations.

National judicial authorities should invoke universal jurisdiction as per their national laws, initiating independent investigations into international crimes and prosecuting suspects when jurisdiction is applicable. This approach broadens accountability opportunities beyond just the International Criminal Court. Euromedmonitor

Features News

Aqaba Makes World Marine History

marwan
July 26, 2026

By Yazan K. Mahadin

On July 25, Jordan achieved a historic milestone as the Aqaba Marine Reserve was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea. Recognized under UNESCO’s natural criteria (ix) and (x), the Reserve earned global recognition for its outstanding ecological processes, extraordinary marine biodiversity, and exceptional contribution to the conservation of one of the world’s most resilient coral reef ecosystems. This inscription marks Jordan’s first natural World Heritage Site, adding a new dimension to the country’s internationally celebrated cultural heritage.

This achievement extends far beyond international recognition. It positions Jordan at the center of one of the defining global challenges of the twenty-first century: climate change. While coral reefs around the world continue to suffer unprecedented bleaching events caused by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, the coral reefs of the northern Red Sea have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to withstand environmental stress. Scientists increasingly regard the reefs of Aqaba as among the most climate-resilient coral ecosystems on Earth, offering valuable insights into the future survival of tropical reefs worldwide.

The Aqaba Marine Reserve is therefore more than a protected area. It is a living laboratory for international scientific research and a beacon of hope in the global effort to understand, protect, and restore marine ecosystems. The Reserve safeguards hundreds of coral species, over five hundred species of fish, and an extraordinary diversity of marine life that continues to thrive in conditions that threaten reefs elsewhere. At a time when the world is searching for solutions to biodiversity loss and climate adaptation, Jordan now hosts one of the planet’s most significant natural assets.

The UNESCO inscription also carries profound implications for Jordan’s tourism sector. Across the world, World Heritage designation is recognized as a symbol of quality, authenticity, and long-term conservation. It strengthens international confidence, raises global visibility, and attracts travelers seeking meaningful, sustainable, and environmentally responsible experiences. Increasingly, today’s visitors are choosing destinations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting nature and preserving cultural identity. The Aqaba Marine Reserve perfectly reflects this global shift toward sustainable tourism.

For Jordan, this recognition presents an opportunity to diversify its tourism economy beyond traditional cultural attractions. Aqaba can now establish itself as a premier international destination for marine ecotourism, diving, underwater photography, scientific expeditions, educational travel, and conservation-focused experiences. Universities, research institutions, environmental organizations, and climate scientists from around the world are likely to view the Reserve as an increasingly important destination for collaboration and discovery. Such partnerships generate knowledge, investment, employment opportunities, and long-term economic benefits while reinforcing Jordan’s reputation as a responsible steward of global heritage.

Perhaps the greatest opportunity lies in integrating this achievement into Jordan’s broader tourism vision through the Golden Triangle—the internationally renowned destinations of Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Few countries possess such an extraordinary concentration of globally significant heritage within such a compact geographical area. Within only a few hours, visitors can dive among some of the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs, stand before the timeless grandeur of Petra, and experience the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Together, these destinations offer an unparalleled journey through sea, stone, and desert, where nature, culture, history, and adventure come together in one seamless experience.

The Golden Triangle now tells a more compelling story than ever before. Aqaba represents the resilience of nature. Petra embodies the resilience of human civilization. Wadi Rum showcases the dramatic geological forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years. Together, they present Jordan as a destination where natural heritage and cultural heritage complement one another, creating a tourism model that is both economically powerful and environmentally sustainable.

Petra and Aqaba, in particular, share a remarkable narrative despite representing different forms of heritage. Petra stands as one of humanity’s greatest achievements in adapting to an arid environment through sophisticated engineering, water management, and urban planning. Aqaba demonstrates how nature itself has adapted to environmental extremes, preserving coral reefs that continue to flourish despite rising sea temperatures. One tells the story of human resilience; the other tells the story of ecological resilience. Together, they position Jordan as a global symbol of adaptation, innovation, and coexistence between people and nature.

This achievement also reinforces Jordan’s international leadership in heritage conservation. With six UNESCO World Heritage properties—five cultural and now one natural—the Kingdom demonstrates that protecting heritage is not limited to preserving monuments and archaeological sites. It extends equally to safeguarding ecosystems, biodiversity, and the natural landscapes upon which future generations will depend. The inscription of the Aqaba Marine Reserve broadens Jordan’s global identity from a country renowned for its ancient civilizations to one that also contributes meaningfully to international environmental conservation.

Yet UNESCO inscription is not the conclusion of the journey—it is the beginning of a greater responsibility. Global recognition brings with it an obligation to strengthen conservation efforts, enhance scientific monitoring, carefully manage tourism growth, regulate coastal development, and ensure that local communities remain active partners in protecting this remarkable marine environment. Sustainable management must remain the foundation upon which future tourism development is built.

Jordan has shown that conservation and economic development are not competing priorities but complementary objectives. Protecting nature creates opportunities for scientific innovation, sustainable investment, local employment, and responsible tourism. The Aqaba Marine Reserve now stands as a global example of how environmental stewardship can generate lasting social and economic value while preserving irreplaceable natural heritage.

As the world confronts the realities of climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing environmental uncertainty, Jordan offers a powerful message of optimism. The inscription of the Aqaba Marine Reserve is more than a national achievement—it is a contribution to humanity’s shared future. Together with Petra and Wadi Rum, it establishes the Golden Triangle as one of the world’s most remarkable destinations, where ancient civilizations, resilient ecosystems, and extraordinary landscapes unite to tell a story of hope, sustainability, and the enduring relationship between people and the natural world.

Yazan K. Mahadin is commissioner for Petra Archeological park and Tourism – PDTRA. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times

Features

Pottery Jug Quenches Thirst of Gazans

CrossFireArabia
July 19, 2026

With a complete power outage, destruction of water infrastructure, and the sweltering heat of summer, the overcrowded tents and shelters in the Gaza Strip have become veritable ovens.

Amid this suffering, the earthenware jug, a product of the siege and displacement, has become a true lifeline, serving as an indispensable “natural refrigerator” for thousands of families searching for a drop of cool water under the burning plastic sheeting.

As temperatures exceed normal levels inside the camps, water stored in plastic containers becomes hot and undrinkable, posing a health risk with prolonged exposure to the sun.

This is where the earthenware jug comes in. The natural porosity of the clay allows water to seep through and evaporate, significantly lowering its temperature and providing displaced people with a refreshing dose of cool water to alleviate the scorching heat.

Craft Resisting Extinction

From the heart of the rubble, this historic craft has been revived. After the ongoing Israeli war destroyed the pottery district in Gaza’s Old City, artisans relocated their makeshift workshops to the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, restarting production with rudimentary tools and increased physical effort.

Craftsman Abu Muhammad al-Hissi told Quds Press: “It’s true that the workshops were destroyed by the bombing, and cooking gas is no longer available to power the kilns for drying and firing pottery. However, we now rely on the scorching sun to dry the pottery, then fire it using pieces of wood, cardboard, and whatever rubble we can find from destroyed houses and buildings.”

Despite this revival and increased demand, acquiring a piece of pottery is no longer easy. The scarcity of materials, the difficulty in obtaining firewood, and the complete reliance on primitive transportation via animal-drawn carts or even carrying the pottery by hand have caused a significant price increase, making it an additional financial burden for families who have lost everything.

The price of a 10-liter water jug costs around 80 shekels ($25), while larger jugs, exceeding 15 liters, cost approximately $50.

Faced with this reality, Gazans resort to ingenious methods to maximize the use of these clay pots. They place an ice cube, purchased from the market, inside, allowing the clay’s porous structure to retain cold water for more than 12 hours.

This rudimentary method has become an alternative source of income for some displaced families, who now sell bags of cold water to passersby in markets and at intersections, creating a new space for survival and continuity from clay and thirst.