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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'Just like your father...' former MLA Zeeshan Siddique gets death, extortion threats; probe on
Mumbai, Apr 21 (PTI): Former Maharashtra MLA and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique on Monday claimed he has received a death threat via emails warning he would be "killed the same way" as his father Baba Siddique if he didn't pay Rs 10 crore to a person claiming to be a 'D-company' member.
A police official said after receiving a complaint, they have launched a probe into the death threat and extortion demand, and are in the process of recording the statement of Zeeshan Siddique.
Former state minister Baba Siddique was shot dead by gunmen on Dussehra day last year outside his son Zeeshan's office in Mumbai's Bandra area.
Talking to PTI, Zeeshan Siddique said, "Since the last three days I am receiving emails continuously, with content that 'you would be killed just like Baba Siddique if you don't pay Rs 10 crore'. The sender claimed to be a member of the D-company and warned me not to contact police."
The NCP leader said threatening messages were sent to his personal email account.
The sender claimed the 'D-company', a name given to Mumbai's organized crime syndicate founded by fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, and not the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was behind the killing of Baba Siddique, he said.
"Fed with the repeated emails I contacted the Bandra police," said the former MLA.
A police team has reached Zeeshan Siddique's Bandra residence to record his statement, the official added.
