Pro-terror riot erupts near Birzeit University; Israeli forces step in

IDF forces using crowd-dispersal measures and carried out targeted fire toward central violent instigators.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli security forces dispersed a pro-terror gathering that escalated into violent riots on Tuesday near Birzeit University following advance intelligence warnings of an event supporting terrorism in the area.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, “in recent days, an intelligence indication emerged regarding a pro-terror gathering expected to take place today in the Birzeit University area, within the sector of the Binyamin Brigade.”

The military said that “with the start of the gathering, IDF forces and Border Police fighters operating in Judea and Samaria entered the university area, used crowd-dispersal measures, fired warning shots into the air only, and dispersed the gathering.”

Birzeit University is located in the village of Birzeit, north of Ramallah, and is considered one of the Palestinian Authority’s most influential academic institutions, long associated with political and student activism. The university serves approximately 15,000 students.

According to the IDF, the situation later deteriorated further. “Subsequently, an additional violent disturbance developed involving hundreds of suspects, which included the throwing of stones and large rocks from rooftops toward the forces, posing an immediate threat,” the statement said.

In response, the military added, “the forces acted using crowd-dispersal measures and carried out targeted fire toward central violent instigators.”

The IDF stressed that it remains committed to preventing incitement and support for terrorism, stating that it “will continue to operate decisively and will not allow acts of incitement to terrorism against the citizens of the State of Israel.”

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, 11 people were injured during the clashes. Palestinian reports claimed that five were wounded by live fire, four by tear gas inhalation, and two as a result of falls. Some of the injured, including students, were transferred to hospitals for medical treatment.

University officials accused Israeli forces of using live ammunition and deploying tear gas and stun grenades inside the campus, as well as breaching the university’s main gate and entering several buildings.

Israeli officials rejected the claims, emphasizing that the operation followed concrete intelligence warnings and came in direct response to violent attacks on troops, placing responsibility for the escalation on those who turned the gathering into a coordinated riot.

Arab riotsBirzeit UniversityRamallah