Amid the Lebanese War.. Rising Concerns for the Safety of Syrian Refugees
The targeting of Syrian refugees in Lebanon reflects a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, calling for urgent intervention from the international community to protect civilians trapp
September 25, 2024, 1:16 am

Amid the Lebanese War.. Rising Concerns for the Safety of Syrian Refugees

الحدود اللبنانية الإسرائيلية

The humanitarian tragedy of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has escalated with 17 new victims falling due to Israeli shelling on various areas. The list of victims includes 4 women, 7 children, and 6 men, hailing from different regions in Syria, including Afrin occupied by Turkey.

With this new toll, the number of documented Syrian casualties during the past 48 hours rises to 62 people, including 11 women and 18 children, due to Israeli raids that affected several areas in Lebanon.

Thus, the total number of Syrian victims in Lebanon since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza reaches 96 people, including 14 women and 23 children, in addition to 21 others injured.

Concerns are growing about the safety of civilians and Syrian refugees living in extremely difficult conditions. In addition to direct security threats, they face tremendous living challenges, including lack of shelter due to rising rental prices.

Moreover, the majority of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who are opponents of the Syrian regime, cannot return to areas under regime control for fear of arrest or retaliation.

Human rights organizations have confirmed that Syrian refugees in Lebanon face multiple violations of their basic rights, including restrictions on freedom of movement, the right to work, education, and healthcare, alongside increasing cases of discrimination and violence against refugees in light of the economic crisis Lebanon is suffering from.

In light of these tragic developments, pressure is increasing on the international community to move urgently to stop the military escalation in the region and protect civilians trapped in conflict zones. Voices are also rising calling for accountability for those responsible for targeting civilians and committing potential war crimes.

It's worth noting that the village of Majdal Shams in the Golan recently witnessed a horrific massacre that claimed the lives of 12 civilians, mostly children. Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah exchanged accusations of responsibility for this attack, further complicating the security situation in the region and threatening more escalation.

The fate of thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon remains uncertain amid growing fears of continued deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions. The pressing question remains: When will the international community move seriously and effectively to put an end to this ongoing tragedy?

Levant - Agencies

Lebanese Economy on the Brink of Collapse.. Due to Hezbollah's Hostile Actions North and East Syria.. "Self-Administration" Prepares to Receive Syrians in Lebanon

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.