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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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
