On December 12, 2018, Israeli soldiers reportedly raided the Abu Dis campus of Al-Quds University (AQU).

Media sources indicate that the soldiers searched faculty and student offices of AQU’s campus, damaged campus property, and seized surveillance footage. Soldiers reportedly clashed with students protesting the raid, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them. Students were reported to have thrown rocks in return.

Israeli authorities have not issued a public statement on the raid. Sources suggest that it may have been in response to a violent incident that occurred at an Israeli settlement on December 9; however this has not been confirmed.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the entry onto campus and use of force by armed government authorities. While state authorities have a right to maintain order and security, they must do so in a manner that is proportional to the situation and respects institutional autonomy. Absent a compelling reason for doing so, unauthorized entry onto campus by government troops may violate institutional autonomy.

Sources:
https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/bota/forcat-izraelite-bastisin-universitetin-e-kudsit/1336888
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israeli-forces-raid-al-quds-university/
http://english.pnn.ps/2018/12/12/iof-break-into-al-quds-university-in-east-jerusalem/
http://english.wafa.ps/page.aspx?id=OR593ka107715597528aOR593k
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Report-IDF-raids-al-Quds-University-day-after-similar-clash-in-Ramallah-574151
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20181213-israel-attacks-palestinian-university-in-jerusalem/