Weather: Low pressure system brings rain and stormy winds over weekendFM, Vatican counterpart talk repercussions of war on Gaza

RAMALLAH: The country is gradually being influenced today by a low-pressure system accompanied by a cold air mass, resulting in a drop in temperatures during the day hours, according to the Palestinian Meteorological Department. Rain is expected over the northern and central areas during the night, heavy at times with occasional thunderstorms. The winds will be active, occasionally gusting up to 60 km/h. The impact of the low-pressure system persists into Saturday, bringing cloudy, stormy, and cold conditions. Periodic rainfall, likely accompanied by thunderstorms, is expected in the northern and central regions, extending to the southern areas later in the night. The effects of the low-pressure system will continue to influence the country on Sunday morning, with a chance of intermittent rainfall in some regions. On Monday, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy, with a slight rise in temperatures. The air will remain cold in mountainous regions and relatively cool in other areas. Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, along with Vatican's Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher, discussed the severe consequences of Israel's aggression against Gaza and the efforts being made to create a strong international stance to halt it. During a phone call on Friday, Safadi discussed with Archbishop Gallagher the limitations placed on Jerusalem's freedom of religion by Israel, such as the closing of Bethlehem and other West Bank cities, which hinders believers from carrying out their religious rituals, particularly during Christmas. Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's utter rejection of any Israeli actions that violate international law, Israel's obligations as the occupying power, and the freedom of Muslims and Christians to worship in occupied Jerusalem. Safadi also denounced Israel's killing of two women on the sixteenth of this month inside the Holy Family Church in Gaza, as well as the siege that Israel placed on the church and 2.3 million oth er Palestinians in Gaza, depriving them of their access to medication, food, and water. He emphasized that the Israeli assault on Gaza resulted in unimaginable human tragedy, misery, and suffering, depriving Christians of the joy of celebrating Christmas. According to a Vatican statement released today, Pope Francis sent Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to Palestine and Israel today as a concrete demonstration of the Pope's solidarity with those who are suffering from the effects of conflict on a daily basis, especially during the holiday season. Source: Jordan News Agency