Report by the Jerusalem governorate: Israeli violations in the occupied capital, Jerusalem, in the West Bank, escalated significantly in May 2025, with a sharp increase in abductions, forced detentions, home demolitions, and expulsions targeting Palestinian residents.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed daily incursions, particularly during “Jerusalem Day”, when Israeli forces intensified restrictions, preventing many Palestinians from entering the holy site.
Killed and Detained Individuals
Israeli forces killed 17-year-old Mohammad Nidal Abu Lebda near Al-Aqsa Mosque and confiscated his body.
Additionally, 30-year-old Fuad Mohammad Elian from Beit Safafa was killed by Israeli colonizers while in a public park with his cousin.
The number of slain Palestinian’ bodies withheld by Israeli authorities reached 47 by the end of March 2025, as part of a punitive policy targeting families of those killed.
Colonizer Attacks and Injuries
Illegal Israeli colonizers carried out 46 attacks against Palestinians, their properties, and religious sites, all under Israeli military protection.
Among these incidents, seven cases of direct physical assault were recorded, including the fatal attack on Fuad Mohammad Elian, highlighting the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Jerusalem.
At least 17 Palestinians were injured, including six wounded in colonizer attacks, due to live ammunition, beatings, and tear gas exposure.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Violations
Israeli forces intensified incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, violating its historical and legal status and UNESCO resolutions affirming it as an Islamic place of worship.
In May 2025, 6,767 colonizers stormed Al-Aqsa, accompanied by 5,611 others under the guise of “tourism”, performing provocative Talmudic rituals in various areas of the mosque.
During “Jerusalem Day” on May 26, 2,118 colonizers, including far-right Israeli ministers and Knesset members, participated in rituals under heavy military protection, while Palestinian worshippers were denied access.
Abductions and Sentences
Israeli forces abducted 41 Palestinians, including six children and four women.
Israeli courts issued harsh sentences, including actual prison terms, house arrests, travel bans, and financial penalties, with many detainees held for months or years without formal charges.
In May 2025, 26 Palestinians were sentenced to prison, including 19 placed under administrative detention, a policy allowing indefinite imprisonment without trial.
Home Demolitions and Land Seizures
Israeli authorities carried out 42 demolitions, targeting homes, businesses, and agricultural structures across Jerusalem.
Among these, 15 demolitions were forced self-demolitions, where Palestinians were compelled to destroy their own homes to avoid exorbitant fines.
Israeli forces also issued 17 demolition orders and one land confiscation order, including a notice to demolish Al-Wad residential building in Silwan, which houses 85 Palestinians.
Targeting Palestinian Institutions
Israeli forces escalated attacks on Palestinian institutions, including educational, religious, and media organizations, aiming to suppress Palestinian presence and culture in Jerusalem.
Journalists and students faced abductions, interrogations, and restrictions, reflecting a systematic effort to control the city’s narrative and identity.
Colonial Expansion
Israeli authorities approved 19 new illegal colony projects in May 2025, including eight newly submitted plans, four approved projects, and five under construction.
Among the largest projects:
- Ramot illegal colony: Construction of public buildings over 18.9 dunams.
- Talpiot illegal colony: Development of 458 colonial housing units and commercial spaces over 9.5 dunams.
- Kochav Yaakov illegal colony: Expansion with 627 colonial housing units, commercial areas, and public facilities over 253 dunams.
Additionally, Israeli media revealed that the Israeli cabinet secretly approved 22 new illegal colonies, including Atarot Adar in occupied Jerusalem.
