Amman, Jan. 7 (Petra) – The Senate Palestine Committee, chaired by Mazen Darwazeh, "strongly" condemned the Israeli occupation forces' raid on Birzeit University in Ramallah.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the committee described the raid as a blatant attack on the sanctity of educational institutions and a fully-fledged crime that falls within the framework of a systematic policy against the Palestinian people and their right to education, security, and a dignified life.

On its adverse impacts, the committee noted: "This barbaric and aggressive act resulted in wounding several students by bullets and shrapnel, as dozens suffered from tear gas inhalation." The senators added that attacks on Palestinian universities reflect insistence of the extremist, racist occupying government on undermining foundations of Palestinian society in flagrant violation of all international laws that ban attacks on educational facilities.

The committee said this attack is a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and relevant UN resolutions, reaffirming Israel's continued aggressive policies with utter disregard for international law, taking advantage of international silence and the ongoing impunity enjoyed by the occupying power.

The senators urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, the Security Council, and relevant international organizations, to take "concrete and binding" measures to ensure the protection of Palestinian educational institutions.

Additionally, the lawmakers called for holding the occupying authorities accountable for their repeated crimes and halting the violations that threaten peace and stability and end any prospect for achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

//Petra// AG