Israel strikes Gaza, raids West Bank University


The Israeli military Thursday said it had carried out a series of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in response to alleged rocket attacks from the Palestinian area.

The military claimed the overnight strikes hit Palestinian resistance movement Hamas facilities used as training and weapons storage facilities.

Two Gazans have been killed in clashes with Israeli troops along the border and two others were killed in airstrikes following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital last week.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces also raided a prominent Palestinian university in the occupied West Bank, seizing pro-Palestine banners and flags.

"Large numbers of Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University at dawn, seizing flags, banners and equipment," an eyewitness, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, told Anadolu Agency (AA).

Israeli forces, the witness added, had confiscated equipment belonging to the Wafaa Bloc, a Hamas-affiliated student body.

"The flags and banners had been intended for use during Thursday's planned rallies to mark the 30th anniversary of Hamas' establishment," the witness said.

In Jerusalem, Israeli police announced the arrests of 67 Palestinians allegedly involved in clashes that broke out during demonstrations against Trump's decision.

Tension has been particularly high across the occupied Palestinian territories after Trump announced his decision on Jerusalem. Widespread protests were held across Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.