Israel Demolishes Record 870 Palestinian Buildings Amid Rising Violence

The Cabinet of Israel has demolished 870 Palestinian-owned buildings across the West Bank and East Jerusalem since January 2026, more than doubling the previous 15-year annual average. These actions include the forced eviction of five families from Jerusalem's Old City to accommodate the Ateret Cohanim settler group and demolition orders for over 70 Arab families in Lod. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that restrictive planning in Area C has left 84 schools under demolition orders.

Violence has escalated alongside state demolitions. The Wall and Colonization Resistance Commission reported a 63% surge in attacks in the West Bank from January through July 2026, totaling 4,113 incidents. In a recent incident, lawmaker Tzvi Succot of the Religious Zionism party used a hammer to smash a Palestinian memorial in the village of Madama while Israeli soldiers were present. The Israeli army denied prior knowledge of the act, though reports indicate Succot had approved permission to visit the area.

Israeli security forces have also suppressed domestic dissent, raiding a memorial service in Umm al-Khair and cracking down on peace protests in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Umm al-Fahm. During the Umm al-Khair raid, Knesset member Ofer Cassif reported being violently assaulted by Border Police.