GAZA CITY: A Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli fire during clashes along the Gaza border, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said.
Alaa Hamdan, 28, was shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers near Jabalia in northern Gaza, the ministry’s spokesman announced, as protesters returned to the frontier for renewed demonstrations and clashes.
The Israeli army did not comment on the specific incident but said around 5,800 of Palestinian “rioters and demonstrators” had gathered in multiple locations along the border fence, with some throwing stones and explosive devices toward soldiers.
Palestinians have been gathering for weekly demonstrations at various points along the border since March 2018.
The protests are demanding Israel end a crippling blockade of the strip and allow Palestinians to return to lands they fled in the 1948 war that founded the Jewish state.
A further five Palestinians were shot and wounded in Friday’s demonstrations, the ministry said.
At least 310 Palestinian have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the protests began, the majority during the demonstrations.
Eight Israelis have been killed in Gaza-related violence over the same period.
Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.
Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in border clashes: Gaza ministry
Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in border clashes: Gaza ministry
- Alaa Hamdan, 28, was shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers near Jabalia
- The protests are demanding Israel end a crippling blockade of the strip
Syria announces new currency framework, 2-zero redenomination
- Under the plan, every 100 Syrian pounds will be converted into one unit of the new Syrian Arab Republic’s pound
- Governor calls move ‘pivotal milestone within a comprehensive strategy’
DAMASCUS: Syria’s Central Bank announced executive instructions on Sunday to introduce a new Syrian currency, launching a monetary reform that includes removing two zeros from the pound and allowing a 90-day period of dual circulation.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the bank’s headquarters in Damascus.
Central Bank Gov. Abdulkader Husrieh said the step was part of a comprehensive institutional strategy to restore confidence and achieve sustainable economic stability.
He said: “The launch of the new currency is not a formal measure, but a pivotal milestone within a comprehensive strategy based on solid institutional foundations.”
Under the plan, every 100 Syrian pounds will be converted into one unit of the new Syrian Arab Republic’s pound. The old and new currencies will circulate together for 90 days, a period which may be extended.
All bank balances will be converted to the new currency at the beginning of next year, while the overall money supply will be maintained without increase or reduction.
Husrieh said the economic strategy was based on five pillars: monetary stability, a stable and transparent foreign-exchange market, effective and accountable financial institutions, secure digital transformation, and balanced international economic relations.
He said the move required updating financial laws and regulations, improving data systems, keeping pace with global digital developments, and ensuring sustainable financing and training for the financial sector.
The currency exchange will be provided free of charge, with no commissions, fees, or taxes.
All public and private entities must apply the official conversion standard to prices, salaries, wages, and financial obligations. Official exchange-rate bulletins will be issued in both currencies to ensure transparency and prevent speculation.
The governor said the central bank was closely monitoring markets to stabilize the exchange rate and would supply Syrian pounds if demand for foreign currency rises, adding that citizens will feel the impact more clearly after the exchange process is completed.
“Our policy is financial discipline, with no room for inflation,” Husrieh added.
He confirmed that the decree regulating the exchange limits the process to Syrian territory, and said the measures fell within the bank’s 2026-2030 strategy to align with international standards.
The new banknotes, he added, were being printed by leading international companies to prevent counterfeiting.
