Israeli raid on Birzeit University: statement of solidarity with Birzeit University and the Global Campus of Human Rights

On the 6th of January 2026, the Israeli army raided the Campus of Birzeit University in the Palestinian Occupied Territories. Birzeit University not only is a member university of the Global Campus of Human Rights, it is a founding member of the Arab Master’s Programme in Democracy and Human Rights. 

In the attack, at least 11 students were wounded and the Vice-President was detained and interrogated. 

The Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca” of the University of Padova expresses its solidarity with all the students and staff affected by the unacceptable and alarming attack and shares the concerns expressed by the Global Campus of Human Rights 

According to the statement shared by the Global Campus, universities must be places that are free from fear and intimidation, where students can learn and discuss their ideas openly.  The use of military force within a university is an unacceptable violation of the fundamental right to education, academic freedom and university autonomy.

The Global Campus called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the military operation and accountability for those responsible. It also called on the Government of Israel to respect and protect the autonomy, safety and academic freedom of all higher education institutions in the Palestinian Occupied Territories in accordance with its international obligations. Any future operation of a similar nature should be viewed as a violation of human rights.