LONDON: Israeli forces raided Birzeit University, located north of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, injuring 11 students and detaining the university’s vice president for academic affairs.
The university confirmed that 11 students were wounded, including five by live ammunition, while dozens suffered breathing difficulties from inhaling tear gas. All casualties were later transported to hospital for medical treatment by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Nirdin Al-Mimi, the university’s public relations officer, confirmed that Israeli forces used live ammunition, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades during the violent raid on the campus on Tuesday.
Israeli soldiers broke and damaged the university’s main gate, stormed several buildings and departments, and seized equipment belonging to the student movement, she added.
They also detained the university’s vice president for academic affairs, Assem Khalil, according to Wafa news agency.
Birzeit University is one of the leading higher education institutions in Palestine, with nearly 8,000 students enrolled.
The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Education condemned the raid, saying that it violates international norms protecting the sanctity of educational institutions.
It called on the International Association of Universities, the Association of Arab Universities, and all relevant organizations to expose and address ongoing violations against Palestinian higher education, Wafa added.
