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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Conspiracy afoot to 'tarnish' image of Dharmasthala: Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Aug 14 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said there was a “conspiracy” to tarnish the image of Dharmasthala.
His comments come amid an ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into serious allegations of mass burials in the revered temple town in Dakshina Kannada district.
“A conspiracy is being hatched to destroy hundreds of years of legacy. It is not correct to tarnish someone just like that. It has all happened due to one complainant,” he said.
Noting that some Congress MLAs have called for action against those involved in the slander campaign at the legislature party meeting, he said, “ I have told them that action must be taken against those who are indulging in a slander campaign. The CM has also said that action must be taken against such people.”
“I have information on this case. Religious feelings should not be hurt in any manner. Culprits must be punished,” he told reporters, according to a release from his office.
Responding to a question, Shivakumar said the Congress party will not allow the image of any religious place to be tarnished.
“We see everyone equally when it comes to religion,” he added.
The SIT, formed by the state government, is probing claims of mass murder, rape, and mass burials in Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
The complainant, a former sanitation worker whose identity has not been revealed, alleged that between 1995 and 2014 he was forced to handle bodies—including women and minors—and that some showed signs of sexual assault. He has given a statement before a magistrate.
As part of the probe, the SIT has been conducting exhumations at multiple locations identified by the complainant-witness in the forested areas along the banks of the Netravathi River in Dharmasthala, where some skeletal remains have been found at two sites so far.
