Home Demolitions spike to 15 year high

Israel, like every other settler-colonial state, is premised on the erasure of the indigenous population. Demolishing Palestinian homes to drive them of their lands is a critical tool in the advancement of zionism.

Cody O’Rourke, Good Shepherd Collective, December 9, 2024

Based on the data over the last 15 years, there has been a significant escalation in home demolitions in Palestine. The numbers show a clear upward trend in frequency and impact, particularly in recent years.

Over the past 365 days, Israeli military operations have conducted 553 demolitions, displacing 4,434 Palestinians and destroying 1,751 structures. These military operations are executed a steady pace throughout the year, averaging 1.52 demolitions per day. The daily displacement rate stands at about 12 people, with nearly five structures destroyed every day. This systematic pattern of demolitions has significantly disrupted Palestinian communities, with children representing over 40% of those displaced from their homes.

When looking at the trajectory between 2009 and 2024, there has been a dramatic increase in demolition incidents — from 103 annually to 519, representing a five-fold increase. The number of displaced Palestinians rose from 676 in 2009 to 4,012 in 2024, while the affected structures increased from 279 to 1,619 — charting out a linear trajectory.

The average daily incident rate has increased substantially, from 0.28 incidents per day in 2009 to 1.53 in 2024, demonstrating that demolitions are a critical tool of zionist settler-colonialism and indigenous erasure. This pattern aligns with practices of settler colonialism, where displacement of indigenous populations is used as a mechanism for territorial control, such as in Canada, the United States, and Australia. The demolition of Palestinian homes serves to fragment Palestinian communities and alter demographic realities on the ground.

The sharp increase in demolitions in 2024 (519 incidents in just the first part of the year) marks the highest recorded level over the last 15 years. The data shows that demolitions aren’t sporadic incidents but rather reflect a consistent pattern of displacement, with each year since 2016 showing over 300 incidents annually. The impact on children is particularly disturbing, with 1,628 children displaced in 2024 alone.

DEMOLITION REPORT

Note

This data set runs from 12.11.2023 to 12.04.2024, with the 90-day demarcation date being 09.10.2024 and the 10-day mark being set at 11.29.2024. This data is for the last 365 days, not Year-to-Date. As the data points out, across Jerusalem and the West Bank, displacement has been trending upwards. This, of course, is by design. 

This data only reflects administrative home demolitions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. This doesn’t include the mass demolitions of homes in the Gaza Strip, or in places like the Naqab or the Galilee.

Demolition summary

December 4, 2024 | West Bank, Area C, Majdal Bani Fadil

Israeli forces demolished an 80m² marble workshop and 50m of concrete walls, affecting a family of seven, including four children. The demolition followed a final order issued November 20, citing lack of building permits.

December 4, 2024 | West Bank, Area C, Huwwara

Israeli forces demolished two 40m² livelihood structures without prior notification, impacting two families totaling eleven people, including two children. The structures included a scrapyard workspace and a container with metal shed.

December 3, 2024 | West Bank, Area C, Nahalin

Israeli forces demolished multiple structures including residential homes, agricultural rooms, and livelihood structures. One family of six, including four children, was displaced, while six additional families totaling 41 people, including 25 children, were affected.

December 3, 2024 | West Bank, Area C, An Nabi Samwil

Israeli forces demolished ten residential and agricultural structures, displacing four refugee households of 20 people, including nine children. Two additional households of 13 people, including eight children, were affected. Residents’ access permits were revoked following demolitions.

December 3, 2024 | West Bank, Area C, Beit Kahil

Israeli forces demolished two agricultural rooms and a shade structure in Wadi Al Quff area, affecting two families of 14 people, including 10 children. The demolition included the destruction of water tanks and the uprooting of 25 trees.

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