RAMALLAH, West Bank — Some student blocs at Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, have been on an open-ended strike since Dec. 16, staging sit-ins on campus and restricting access in response to the university’s policy that bans certain student activities.

Birzeit University Vice President Ghassan al-Khatib told Al-Monitor he believes the crisis is likely to drag on. He said students have been violating university policy by marching in military uniforms or clothing (kufieh) symbolizing the Palestinian struggle, and by displaying cartoon models depicting resistance weapons and tools.“

The student blocs representing the Palestinian factions are using military symbols in their activities. ... Such activities would give Israel a pretext to criticize the educational facility and to make accusations that it is being used for military training,” Khatib told Al-Monitor. He said the crisis erupted Dec. 11.

The university’s administration suspended classes after members of the Progressive Democratic Student Pole — the student arm of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) — wore military uniforms during a procession celebrating the PFLP's 52nd anniversary. The administration tried to evacuate students and keep them off the campus, but protesters rammed the main university gate.