By Mohammad Ghazal

AMMAN - Sunday is the first day of Eid Al Fitr, when Muslims break their fast, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel announced on Saturday.

At a ceremony at the King Hussein Ben Talal Mosque, Hilayel said telescopes were installed across the Kingdom to look for the crescent moon, but it was not spotted in Jordan. However, the crescent was seen in Saudi Arabia, and thus Sunday is the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

The crescent was also seen in other Arab and Muslim countries, Hilayel added. Palestine, Qatar and Iraq’s sunnis also announced that the Eid starts Sunday.

On the occasion, Hilayel reiterated the Kingdom's support for the Palestinians in light of the Israeli occupation and the difficult conditions they are going through, highlighting His Majesty King Abdullah’s support for the Palestinian cause.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Department (PSD) will take several measures during Eid Al Fitr to enhance security in the Kingdom, protect citizens and their property and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The measures include increasing the number of police patrols and rangers, as well as enhancing security procedures to prevent theft in densely populated residential and commercial areas, PSD Spokesperson Major Mohammad Khatib said on Friday. He urged citizens to abide by traffic regulations, noting that stiff penalties will be imposed for speeding, reckless driving and running red lights to reduce road accidents across the country.

Last year, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) dealt with a total of 1,295 traffic accidents, fires and rescue operations across the Kingdom during Eid, resulting in 22 deaths and 1,283 injuries. Khatib called on the public to cooperate with PSD personnel and report any accidents or complaints by calling any of the following numbers: 190, 191, 194 or 196.

The CDD called on citizens to take precautionary measures to avoid the occurrence of accidents during the holiday. The department also warned children against using fireworks, which might cause fires and injuries.

Most accidents CDD rescue teams encounter during Eid involve individuals suffering from digestive and stomach problems due to bad eating habits, especially overeating, according to the department.