Israeli authorities issue closure orders to UN-run schools in East Jerusalem
Ramallah: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported that Israeli municipal officials and security forces forcibly entered six of its schools in East Jerusalem and issued closure orders set to take effect within 30 days.
According to UNRWA, the closures will directly impact approximately 800 students who may not be able to complete the current academic year. The agency stated that its schools operate under the protection of United Nations privileges and immunities, and described the actions of Israeli authorities as violations of these protections and of international legal obligations.
The orders follow recent legislative moves in the Israeli Knesset aimed at limiting the operations of UNRWA. The executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization condemned the closures, characterising them as violations of UN General Assembly resolutions and efforts to diminish the agency’s presence in Jerusalem, particularly in refugee camps.
The Palestinian government has urged the United Nations to intervene and protect UNRWA institutions in East Jerusalem, warning that the closures threaten essential educational and humanitarian infrastructure. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry recalled its commitment to working with international partners to support UNRWA’s mandate and called for increased global efforts to safeguard the rights of Palestinian refugees and uphold international resolutions.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
