Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning on Wednesday, threatening to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to adhere to the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire. The statement followed Hamas’s return of the remains of two deceased hostages, with the group claiming it cannot retrieve additional bodies without specialized equipment. Since the ceasefire began on Monday, Hamas has released 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails. However, tensions remain high as Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that the two bodies returned would be the last for now, citing logistical challenges. Katz’s office emphasized that Israel, in coordination with the US, would resume fighting to achieve a total defeat of Hamas if the agreement is violated. Meanwhile, Israel transferred 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, bringing the total returned to 90, as part of the Trump-mediated deal. The ceasefire has also raised humanitarian concerns, with UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urging Israel to open all crossings into Gaza for aid delivery. The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s sole connection to the world outside Israel, remains closed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, has left Gaza in dire straits, with famine declared by the UN in August. Israel and the US continue to insist that Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future governance, adding another layer of complexity to the fragile ceasefire.
标签： Jamaica
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NCB says services restored after system challenges
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has successfully restored its services across all platforms following significant system disruptions earlier on Wednesday. The bank confirmed the resolution after being contacted by Observer Online, addressing widespread complaints from customers who faced difficulties accessing their accounts via the NCB mobile app and website.
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‘A complete mess’: UTech students frustrated with portal glitches
Students at the University of Technology (UTech) in Jamaica are expressing growing dissatisfaction with the institution’s online portal, citing a myriad of problems that have disrupted their academic experience. Issues range from difficulties in module selection and missed classes to late access to timetables and system crashes. The situation has left many students questioning the value of their tuition fees, which have been increasing without corresponding improvements in the portal’s functionality.
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Arrest warrant for Mavado lifted
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Dancehall artist David ‘Mavado’ Brooks has been granted a reprieve as a warrant for his arrest, issued in 2018, was officially dropped on Wednesday morning. The musician, who recently returned to Jamaica after nearly a decade abroad, met with law enforcement officials alongside his attorney to address allegations of assault causing actual bodily harm. The case, which had been pending since 2018, was resolved following discussions with the St Andrew North police. Superintendent Randy Sweeney confirmed the closure, stating, ‘Based on the information at hand and the circumstances, that matter has been closed.’ The warrant had been issued on June 9, 2018, following a complaint by Anthony Goulbourne, who had been arrested and charged for allegedly shooting at Mavado. Sweeney clarified that the warrant was not a court-issued document but rather one signed by a Justice of the Peace (JP) based on police information. He emphasized, ‘That warrant of information is no longer in effect.’ Mavado’s return to Jamaica marks a significant moment for the artist, who has been a prominent figure in the dancehall scene.
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US passport drops out of top 10 in global ranking, Jamaica holds steady at 60
In a significant shift in global travel dynamics, the United States passport has fallen out of the top 10 in the Henley Passport Index for the first time since its inception two decades ago. This widely recognized ranking measures passport strength by assessing the number of destinations holders can access without requiring a prior visa. The latest data reveals a notable decline in the US passport’s standing, reflecting broader changes in international mobility trends. Meanwhile, Jamaica has maintained its position at 60th place, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 87 countries. The Henley Passport Index, which relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), serves as a barometer of diplomatic relations, economic developments, and evolving visa policies across nations. This year’s rankings underscore the fluid nature of global travel privileges and the impact of geopolitical and economic factors on passport power.
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US to carry out third execution this week
A Mississippi man convicted of heinous crimes is set to face lethal injection on Wednesday, marking the third execution in the United States this week. Charles Crawford, 59, was sentenced to death for the 1994 rape and murder of Kristy Ray, a 20-year-old college student. The execution is scheduled for 6:00 pm Central Time (2300 GMT) at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman.
This execution follows two others carried out on Tuesday in Florida and Missouri, with another planned for Friday in Arizona. Richard Djerf, 55, will be executed for the brutal 1993 murders of four members of a Phoenix family. So far this year, the US has seen 37 executions, the highest number since 2013, when 39 inmates were put to death.
Florida leads the nation with 14 executions, followed by Texas with five, and South Carolina and Alabama with four each. The majority of these executions have been conducted via lethal injection, though alternative methods such as firing squad and nitrogen hypoxia have also been employed. The latter method, involving the pumping of nitrogen gas into a face mask to induce suffocation, has drawn criticism from United Nations experts, who deem it cruel and inhumane.
While 23 US states have abolished the death penalty, three others—California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—have imposed moratoriums. President Donald Trump has been a vocal advocate for capital punishment, calling for its expanded use for the most severe crimes since his first day in office.
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NEPA urges caution at beaches this Heroes’ weekend
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Jamaicans prepare to flock to the beaches during the National Heroes’ weekend, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has issued a strong call for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a safe holiday experience. The agency’s warning comes in response to recent drowning incidents at the nation’s beaches, highlighting the need for heightened caution. Anthony McKenzie, Director of Environmental Conservation and Management at NEPA, emphasized the importance of using licensed beaches under the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and encouraged the public to consult NEPA’s beaches web page for detailed information. To promote safety, NEPA has shared essential beach safety reminders, including monitoring weather conditions, swimming only in lifeguarded areas, staying hydrated, observing warning signs, supervising children, and avoiding solo swimming. Additionally, NEPA urged beachgoers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as proper garbage disposal, to protect marine life and maintain the pristine condition of Jamaica’s coastline.
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Health ministry continues to improve vector-control programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness has significantly bolstered its vector-control initiatives in response to a surge in mosquito populations and the heightened risk of vector-borne diseases. Portfolio Minister Christopher Tufton provided a detailed update to the House of Representatives on October 15, outlining the government’s comprehensive strategy to combat the issue.
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JMMB real estate arm turns profit
JMMB Real Estate Holdings Limited, the property development subsidiary of the JMMB Group, is forging ahead with two significant commercial projects in Kingston, marking a strategic expansion into the non-financial sector. The developments, located on Harbour Street in downtown Kingston and Haughton Avenue in New Kingston, are currently in the tender phase, with contractors being selected. While the company has not disclosed the exact costs, it confirmed that construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The Harbour Street project is expected to take 18 to 20 months, while the Haughton Avenue development will require 22 to 24 months to complete. Both projects received statutory approvals earlier this year and are part of JMMB’s broader strategy to monetize its $4-billion land bank through high-value commercial real estate. The Harbour Street development will renovate 35,000 square feet of office space, while the Haughton Avenue project will feature a 10-storey building with parking and 45,000 square feet of modern offices. The latter currently houses JMMB’s head office, JMMB Bank (Jamaica) Limited, and JMMB Investments. JMMB has set a profit hurdle rate of 15% for each project, reflecting its focus on market-based returns rather than passive asset appreciation. The company plans to finance the projects independently, seeking partnerships and funding on favorable terms. Upon completion, the properties will either be sold floor-by-floor or leased on medium-term agreements, aligning with JMMB’s long-term investment strategy. This approach has already proven successful at the company’s first completed project at 102 Hope Road and 1 Liguanea Avenue, which began generating rental income last financial year. JMMB Real Estate reported a net profit of $332 million for the 2024/25 financial year, contributing $760 million in income to the group through rental earnings, property sales, and revaluation gains. Group CEO Keith Duncan highlighted the subsidiary’s self-sufficiency, emphasizing its role as a growth engine for the JMMB Group. With design work underway for additional projects in Mandeville and Montego Bay, JMMB Real Estate is poised to play a pivotal role in the group’s diversification strategy.
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Case dropped after credit union worker repays $2.6m, but…
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant legal development, former credit union employee Dianne Thompson was discharged from a multimillion-dollar larceny case on Tuesday by Parish Court Judge Paula Blake Powell. Thompson had been accused of embezzling $2.6 million from 25 customers of the credit union where she was previously employed. She faced 22 charges, including simple larceny and unauthorized access to computer data, to which she pleaded not guilty. The case was dismissed after it was confirmed that Thompson had repaid $2.7 million to the credit union, exceeding the initial amount she was accused of stealing. However, further investigations revealed additional missing funds, bringing the total to over $6 million. Thompson had been instructed to repay the full amount by her case management date in October, but the remaining balance will now be addressed in a separate legal proceeding. The case highlights ongoing issues of financial misconduct and the complexities of restitution in such matters.