'Heavily armed' Israeli soldiers raid Palestinian university, seize flags

Palestinian flags, banners and other material were taken from Birzeit University when the Israeli army at 3.45am entered the main campus in northern Ramallah, in what the university said is part of Israel's "extensive campaign against Palestinian universities in the last two years".

"Birzeit University views this attack as very dangerous act against academia and Palestinian students," Birzeit said in a press statement.

"The university aspires to live by the values of democracy, freedom of speech and respect for human rights, and these violations will not deter its commitment to higher education, and the pivotal role it has played since its establishment up until now."

The attack happened after students in their thousands protested US President Donald Trump's decision to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital, while millions across the world also denounced the December 6 declaration.

The controversial announcement has undermined the likelihood of a reconciliation, and damaged the already fragile Israeli-Palestinian peace process. On Friday, Hamas declared an 'intifada' and called for a 'day of rage'.

Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, a position nearly the entire world rejects saying its status should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Jerusalem is a key issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Arab leaders and others have reacted in anger.  

Trump's move has been condemned worldwide and protests have been taking place globally including in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan.