Private schools in East Jerusalem, including 15 Christian institutions, suspended classes affecting approximately 20,000 students and 171 staff members. The General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions cited Israeli restrictions on teacher permits, which initially excluded Saturdays and later Fridays and Sundays, as arbitrary and unacceptable. School officials stated these restrictions prevent regular operation and are blaming Israel for the suspension. Contacts are ongoing with authorities to resolve the permit issue, which also includes a ban on hiring teachers with degrees from Palestinian institutions and new teachers from the West Bank.