IDF Raids Universities in PA, Arrests 8

Security forces, including IDF Shin Bet and Border Police, arrested eight Arabs suspected of being involved in terrorist activities, popular terror and violent disturbances against civilians and military vehicles in Judea and Samaria overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The suspects were detained for questioning by security forces.

Also overnight security forces raided two Jerusalem-area universities, Al Quds in the village of Abu Dis and BirZeit in the village of Bir Zeit, and a printing house used as propaganda distribution center in the city of Hebron, which produced incitement materials. IDF forces confiscated posters, flags, and other materials considered incitement.

The operations were part of IDF preparations for celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hamas, during the first intifada in 1987. Hamas has scheduled celebrations to begin tonight in the Gaza Strip.

The military said the operation was part of security forces’ extensive effort to fight all elements of terrorism, including incitement, and will continue with the understanding that incitement constitutes a direct factor in carrying out terror attacks and supporting terrorism.