Return of Gaza Residents to Their Homes Following Ceasefire Agreement
January 19, 2025, 2:43 pm

Return of Gaza Residents to Their Homes Following Ceasefire Agreement

عودة اهالي المخيم الجديد

Residents of the Gaza Strip returned to their homes after the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel came into effect, with scenes showing gatherings of Palestinians rushing to their homes that had been completely or partially destroyed due to the Israeli bombardment that lasted for 15 months.

After being postponed in the morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that the ceasefire would take effect at 11:15 AM local time. The office stated that Israel received a list of hostages scheduled for release today, and Israeli security agencies are currently verifying the details related to the operation.

The Prime Minister's office noted that notifications to the families of the hostages have already begun, with the release of three female prisoners held by Hamas set to occur after 14:00 GMT today.

The statement mentioned that there are four other female hostages who are alive and will be released within the next seven days. Although the details regarding the mechanism for the handover of the prisoners remain unclear, Israeli media reported that Israel would receive the three prisoners via the Netzarim crossing, with a special forces unit accompanying the hostage recovery operation.

Informed sources also indicated that the prisoners are being transported to Ofer prison by buses in preparation for their release. For its part, Hamas announced that it is set to receive 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the three female prisoners, in accordance with the agreement.

Earlier, a correspondent for Al Arabiya/Al Hadath confirmed the arrival of the names of the three detainees to Israel, paving the way for the implementation of the ceasefire. The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades announced the names of the detainees: Rumi Jonin (24 years old), Emily Damari (28 years old), and Doron Shternberg Kheir (31 years old), with "Al Arabiya" broadcasting their images, which were circulated by Israeli media.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army stated that it "continues to strike targets in the Gaza area at present," with spokesperson Daniel Hagari clarifying that "based on the Prime Minister's directives, the ceasefire will not take effect until Hamas fulfills its commitments."

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was supposed to take effect today, Sunday, from 06:30 GMT. However, residents of Gaza began heading towards the northern parts of the Strip, despite being prohibited from doing so by the Israeli army, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The ceasefire raises hopes for the end of the devastating 15-month war, which has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza and reshaped the situation in the Middle East. It also paves the way for the release of detainees after hours, offering a potential opportunity for an end to the conflict.

Challenges of Future Syria Syrian Artists Shine at the Joy Awards in Riyadh

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.