On June 4, 2026, Israeli forces arrested four women Birzeit University students, apparently based on their alleged affiliation with an activist student organization.

The four students arrested included Sama Safi, an American Palestinian psychology student, who was arrested at her family home; Natalie Abu Diah and Leila Khalil, both who were also arrested at their family homes; and Joulan Abu Awad, who was arrested from university student housing. According to Safi’s lawyer, the four women appear to have been targeted after two other detained students provided the Israeli military with a list of students involved in Qutub, a student organization affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which Israel has designated as a terrorist organization. An Israeli military spokesperson, the students were arrested for allegedly, “promoting hostile terrorist activity and additional terrorist-related activities.” Safi’s lawyer denied that Safi was involved with the student organization.

As of late June, the women were still being held without charge.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the arrest of students in retaliation for their alleged association with a student organization. Authorities have an obligation to refrain from taking action to restrict or punish expressive and political activity, so long as it is peaceful and responsible. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, the intimidation, detention, and assault of students undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israel-arrests-four-female-birzeit-students-in-west-bank-raids/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/13/palestinian-held-sama-safi-israeli-military
https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/171191
https://www.newarab.com/news/health-concerns-grow-us-palestinian-student-israel-prison
https://www.newsweek.com/us-citizen-held-by-israeli-military-3-weeks-no-charges-12127154
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-899604