Damaged computers as a result of the Israeli army raid of Birzeit University. Photo courtesy of the university‘s public relations department.

RAMALLAH, December 14, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli forces raided early Wednesday the campus of Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, and caused damage to several buildings, according to a university statement.

It said a large force stormed the campus, held the security guards and proceeded to raid several buildings leaving a great deal of havoc behind. The Israeli military confiscated the students‘ flags and banners, and sabotaged properties inside campus and the administration building.

Ahmad Ayesh, head of the student at the university, told WAFA that at about 3:00 a.m., Israeli forces raided the university and broke into several buildings including the administration building, the computer center, the college of science, and Kamal Nasser Hall.

The forces also seized computers and other equipment belonging to the student , the Islamic Bloc and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Mohammad al-Ahmad, head of the communication department at the university, said this the third time Israeli forces raid the campus in three years urging international human rights organizations to intervene to put a stop to Israeli interference in academic life in Palestine.

“Birzeit University expresses its deepest concern regarding this belligerent military attack on the university, its sanctity, and violation to all the international and fundamental principles involved in the freedom of education,” said the university statement.

“These blatant attacks and subsequent measures of harassment constitute outrageous interferences to our right to education,” it added.

"Birzeit University views this attack as very dangerous and a barbaric intrusion. We deplore the conversion of its academic facilities to military barracks, as well as the confiscation of its student property, searching parts of the administrative offices.

"As an academic institution that aspires to live by the values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the Israeli occupation needs urgently to stop its aggressive behavior against all Palestinians," said the statement. 

M.N./M.K.