DZWatch can report that 2025 saw the highest number of home and property demolitions in occupied East Jerusalem in the last 15 years. The dramatic increase in demolitions has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and negatively impacted tens of thousands more.
Data indicates that between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2026, Israeli authorities demolished 2,307 structures in East Jerusalem. This resulted in the displacement of 4,659 Palestinians and affected the lives of 61,963 individuals.
The most affected neighborhoods include Jabal al-Mukaber (388 demolitions), Silwan (317), Beit Hanina (271), al-Issawiya (199), Sur Baher (152), al-Walaja (108), and al-Tur (105). Other neighborhoods experienced fewer demolitions.
The year 2025 recorded 257 demolitions, the highest number in the 15-year period. 2023 saw 229 demolitions, followed by 219 in 2024, and 212 in 2019.
The data includes the demolition of 823 inhabited homes, 431 uninhabited homes, 376 agricultural structures, and 442 commercial properties.
The majority of demolitions, a staggering 2,269, were carried out under the pretext of lacking building permits. A further 38 demolitions were carried out as punitive measures, with the remainder justified under various other pretexts.
The escalating rate of demolitions in Jerusalem raises serious concerns about the humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population and the future of the city.
