Statement Issued by Birzeit University on the Raid of Its Campus

Birzeit University strongly condemns the raid carried out by Israeli occupation forces on its campus on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while students were sitting their final examinations for the summer semester.

The University considers the raid a serious violation of the sanctity of its campus and its academic independence, as well as a direct attack on the right to education and on the safe academic environment that international law and conventions are intended to protect for educational institutions, students, and staff.

Israeli occupation forces entered the campus in two military vehicles carrying around 15 soldiers while students were taking their final exams. Their presence disrupted the normal academic environment and created tension across the campus, undermining students’ right to sit their examinations in a safe and stable setting.

The University stresses that this raid, and the violation it represents of the integrity and independence of an educational institution, cannot be viewed in isolation from the repeated attacks on Palestinian universities and the ongoing restrictions on students’ right to access education and continue their studies.

Birzeit University reiterates that the sanctity of universities and their academic independence are fundamental principles that must be respected under all circumstances. Birzeit University holds the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the raid and its consequences. It calls on the international community, as well as international academic and human rights organizations, to uphold their responsibilities in protecting Palestinian educational institutions, ensuring respect for international law and relevant conventions, and safeguarding both the right to education and the protection of academic institutions.

Birzeit University remains committed to carrying out its academic and national mission, protecting its students’ right to education, and continuing the educational process despite all challenges and circumstances. The University firmly rejects any attack on its campus, its students, its academic staff, or its employees.