Israeli raid on Palestinian universities (West Bank)

Israeli forces carried out violent military raids on Palestinian university campuses in the West Bank during the early hours of Tuesday, 9 December 2025 and into around 10 December.

Birzeit University (near Ramallah):

Israeli forces conducted a large‑scale raid on campus, causing extensive damage to buildings and facilities, according to university officials. The university described the incursion as part of a “systematic policy” targeting Palestinian education and violating protections for academic institutions.

Another major West Bank university:

Education International condemned violent raids by Israeli forces on two major Palestinian universities at dawn on 9 December, calling on Israeli authorities to cease attacks on schools and universities. Education International

Arrests & detentions:

The raids included arrests of students and student leaders, including members of student councils. Birzeit University reported that more than 150 students were held in Israeli detention following the raid. Middle East Monitor

International reaction:

Human rights and education organizations strongly condemned the raids, stating that armed forces targeting academic institutions undermine the right to education and violate international norms.

Statement of Education International (EI):

"EI strongly condemns the violent raids by Israeli forces on two major Palestinian universities in the West Bank during the early hours of Tuesday, 9 December. EI calls on Israeli authorities to immediately cease all attacks on schools and universities.The military operations forced both campuses to suspend all activities as armed forces took control, assaulted staff, and caused damage to the facilities. At approximately 4:00 a.m., Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, arresting and detaining five university security guards. Shortly thereafter, troops entered Al-Quds University on the outskirts of Jerusalem, deploying snipers on rooftops."