Report: IDF raids al-Quds University day after similar clash in Ramallah

By JOSH AXELROD

DECEMBER 12, 2018 14:45

Updated: DECEMBER 13, 2018 02:03

IDF soldiers take part in Operation Protective Edge. (photo credit: ANNA GOLIKOV) — IDF soldiers take part in Operation Protective Edge.

(photo credit: ANNA GOLIKOV)

After two operations to seize surveillance footage in Ramallah, the IDF entered Abu Dis.

IDF soldiers raided al-Quds University in Abu Dis just east of Jerusalem on Wednesday, searching faculty and student offices before seizing surveillance footage from the campus cameras, according to official Palestinian media channel WAFA.

Soldiers were met by protesting locals who attempted to block their way. After demonstrators hurled stones and glass bottles, the soldiers fired tear gas grenades and rubber bullets, according to the report.

The purpose of the mission was classified.

Earlier this week, the IDF carried out two similar missions in Ramallah. On Monday, soldiers locked WAFA reporters in a room to search the premises, according to Palestinian reports. On Tuesday, they seized security footage from the building.

Before Tuesday’s mission, soldiers also encountered protesters throwing stones. The confrontation ended again with tear gas and stun grenades.

Abu Dis lies outside the security fence separating Israel from the West Bank and is less than a kilometer southeast of the Old City. It has reportedly been suggested as a capital for a future Palestinian state.