Students, staff clash at Birzeit university

Clashes between staff and students at Birzeit university Ramallah - Arab Today Staff and students at Birzeit university clashed on Monday as students tried to prevent lecturers from entering the campus, witnesses said. The university had announced that the new semester would begin on Monday, while the student council declared that ongoing strike action against rising tuition fees is still in effect. Over 200 students formed a human chain to prevent around 100 teachers and staff members from entering the university. Staff tried to force their way in after the closure, with clashes becoming violent after a tense standoff. The head of the science department and at least two students were injured. Students screamed insults at the head of the university, accusing him of deepening the university's financial crisis. Students began strike action earlier in September to protest an increase in university tuition fees. On Sunday, Bassam Zakarneh, the head of the government workers' union, called on Birzeit to cancel an increase in tuition and re-register students who were dismissed during the latest strike. He also called for a meeting between the student council and the university to reach an agreement based on this initiative, adding that students feel that each day missed cannot be made up. Source: Maan