Abuse of power & retaliationDiscrimination & civil rightsCourts & justice
Jerusalem municipality carried out over 260 East Jerusalem home demolitions in 2025 and at least 116 by June 2026; Palestinians received under 700 permits against about 9,000 for Jews
Confidence: Corroborated · 2 sourcesJerusalem · Oct 6, 2026
Subject of this story
Jerusalem Municipality
Also named
Advocate
Human Rights Watch
What happened
AP and Human Rights Watch reported in June 2026 that more than 260 homes were demolished in East Jerusalem in 2025 and at least 116 in 2026 through June, with eviction pressure concentrated in Silwan's Batan al-Hawa and al-Bustan. AP cited nearly 9,000 housing permits approved for Jewish residents in 2025 against fewer than 700 for Palestinians, who are about 40% of the city's population. The Jerusalem municipality said homes are demolished for being 'built without permits in areas not zoned for housing'. Human Rights Watch cited residents saying court processes that took years now take about 45 days.
By the numbers (2)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Figures
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According to the Israeli rights group Bimkom, nearly 9,000 permits were approved for Jerusalem's Jewish residents and fewer than 700 for Palestinians in 2025; Israeli officials say the gap exists because Palestinians rarely apply for permits.
1 source
- WSLS (AP syndication) — Israel is tightening its grip on east Jerusalem with evictions and demolitions
nearly 9,000 permits for Jewish residents versus fewer than 700 for Palestinians
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Ir Amim, an Israeli anti-settlement group, says over 260 homes and other structures in East Jerusalem were demolished in 2025 and at least 116 in 2026 through early June (AP, 10 June 2026).
1 source
- WSLS (AP syndication) — Israel is tightening its grip on east Jerusalem with evictions and demolitions
Over 260 homes demolished in 2025; at least 116 in 2026 through June
Sources (2)
WSLS (AP syndication)Over 260 homes demolished in 2025; at least 116 in 2026 through June; nearly 9,000 permits for Jewish residents versus fewer than 700 for Palestinians.
Human Rights Watchcourt processes that previously took three to five years now take only 45 days
Response
Jerusalem Municipality
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.