Two British-Israeli sisters killed in West Bank attack named

British-Israeli nationals Rina and Maya Dee, who were murdered in a West Bank attack. (Twitter/Screenshot)
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Updated 09 April 2023
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Two British-Israeli sisters killed in West Bank attack named

  • Victims’ mother remains in critical condition in hospital says local media

LONDON: Two British-Israeli sisters who were shot dead in an attack in the West Bank on Friday were named on Saturday as Maya and Rina Dee Di Mafart.

Their mother, Leah, remains in a critical condition in hospital, according to local media.

The sisters, aged 16 and 20, were killed at the Hamra Junction as they drove to Tiberias, after their car was driven off the road after being shot at by gunmen.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday described the attack as an act of terror, and has sent his condolences to the family in a post on Twitter.

“Vile and heartless terrorists murdered two young sisters,” he said on Friday. “Our forces are operating in the field in hot pursuit of the terrorists. It is only a matter of time, and not much time, that we will hold them accountable.”

He tweeted: “On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the Di Mafart family for the murder of the two wonderful sisters, Rina and Maya, in the severe attack in the Bekaa.”

He continued: “In these moments, if the family is fighting for its life, and together with the entire nation of Israel, I pray for its safety, and we all send our condolences and strength to this dear family in this moment of great sorrow.”

The sisters’ father, a well-known rabbi, had been driving ahead in a separate vehicle, according to a BBC report.

The family, originally from London, lived in the settlement of Efrat and were immigrants from the UK, the town’s mayor said.

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office called for all parties to de-escalate tensions following the attack.


IMF approves reviews, unlocks $240m in funding for Jordan

Updated 11 sec ago
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IMF approves reviews, unlocks $240m in funding for Jordan

  • The decision allows Jordan to draw about $130 million under the EFF and about $110 million under the RSF

AMMAN: The International Monetary Fund’s executive board has completed the fourth review of Jordan’s Extended Fund Facility and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, unlocking immediate access to about $240 million to support the Kingdom’s economic program.

The decision allows Jordan to draw about $130 million under the EFF and about $110 million under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the IMF arrangement to about $733 million.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the IMF said Jordan’s economy “remains resilient,” supported by sound macroeconomic policies and strong international backing.

Growth accelerated to 2.7 percent in the first half of 2025 and is expected to reach about 3 percent in the coming years, driven by major investment projects, deeper regional integration and continued structural reforms.

Inflation remains anchored at about 2 percent, while the current account deficit is projected to narrow to below 5 percent of GDP over the medium term. The IMF also noted that Jordan’s banking sector is stable and international reserves remain strong.

Fiscal performance continues to align with program targets, underpinned by robust revenue collection and disciplined current spending. The authorities remain committed to reducing public debt to 80 percent of GDP by 2028 through gradual fiscal consolidation, while protecting social and development spending and reducing losses at public utilities.

The IMF said progress under the RSF is ongoing, with reforms addressing vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and strengthening health emergency preparedness. All reform measures scheduled for the current review have been completed.

Commenting after the board discussion, IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura said Jordan’s continued macroeconomic stability amid persistent external headwinds reflects the authorities’ commitment to sound policies, supported by strong international assistance.

He said growth continues to recover, inflation remains low and reserve buffers are strong, stressing the importance of maintaining prudent fiscal and monetary policies amid regional tensions and global uncertainty.

Okamura added that accelerated structural reforms are essential to foster job-rich growth, improve the business environment, enhance labour market flexibility, tackle youth unemployment and low female labour force participation, and attract private investment.

He also underlined the importance of sustained donor support to help Jordan manage external challenges and the economic cost of hosting large numbers of refugees, while noting that progress under the RSF would help address long-term vulnerabilities and strengthen balance-of-payments stability.