Israel restricts permits for teachers, Christian schools strike in Jerusalem

Today's headlines: Beijing against “external” intervention (by Washington) in Iran, caution also from Arab states. A train derails in north-eastern Thailand, causing at least 22 deaths. In 2025, India saw a 13% increase in cases of hate speech against minorities, including Christians and Muslims. Syrian Kurds protest against Damascus over the expulsion of militiamen from Aleppo after last week's clashes.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

Dozens of private schools in East Jerusalem have suspended classes in protest against the Israeli authorities' decision to limit the days on which work permits are granted to teachers in the West Bank. The strike was called by the General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem, which was later joined by all private schools. The decision affects about 20,000 students, including 8,500 pupils in 15 Christian schools, according to Richard Zananiri, director of St George's School.

CHINA - IRAN - USA

Beijing opposes any “external interference” in Iran's internal affairs. This was stated today by the Chinese Foreign Ministry after US President Donald Trump announced “very strong actions” against Tehran and in defence of the protesters. “China does not condone the use or threat of force in international relations,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in response to the White House's statement. Meanwhile, Israeli and Arab officials have also suggested that the US administration “freeze” an attack on the Islamic Republic, which is not yet “sufficiently” weakened. At least 2,600 people have died in the street protests, but according to some activist groups, the number exceeds 12,000.

THAILAND

This morning, a train derailed in the north-east after a construction crane fell on three of its carriages, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 80. The accident occurred in the district of Sikhio, in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, 230 km (143 miles) north-east of Bangkok. The train had departed from the capital and was headed to Ubon Ratchathani province.

INDIA

Incidents of hate against minorities, including Muslims and Christians, increased by 13% in 2025, with most incidents occurring in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. This was revealed in a study by India Hate Lab, which documented 1,318 cases in 2025, compared to 1,165 in 2024 and 668 in 2023. At least 1,164 occurred in states and union territories governed by the BJP, either directly or in coalition.

SYRIA

Several thousand people marched in the rain in the north-east to protest against the expulsion of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo last week. The toll from five days of clashes is at least 23 dead and more than 150,000 people fleeing the city's two Kurdish suburbs. The protest erupted in Qamishli, where citizens displayed banners with the logos of Kurdish forces and the faces of slain fighters, some of whom blew themselves up with explosive belts in the face of advancing government forces.

MALAYSIA

The Malacca government has ordered the Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) to investigate allegations that a hotel in the state was labelled “gay-friendly” and went viral on social media, sparking a fierce debate. Datuk Rahmad Mariman, of the State Executive Council for Higher Education and Religious Affairs, confirmed the ongoing investigation, which concluded yesterday afternoon with the suspension of the facility's licence.

RUSSIA - USA

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Manturov reported to President Vladimir Putin on military technology contracts, which reached a record total of billion in 2025. This exceeds previous figures, which did not reach billion. Foreign importers are particularly interested in radio-electronic warfare systems and drone projects.

KAZAKHSTAN

In Kazakhstan, the Ministry of the Interior has announced a general amnesty to mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitution. More than 2,000 people will be released after the review of 16,000 cases, which reduced the period of detention to 11,000 prisoners, with measures to ease the situation for many others, starting with the most vulnerable citizens: minors, women with children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled. Those who have received a full or partial pardon will be subject to special police checks.

• Asia
• Today