SAFA- Israeli campaign of demolition across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem escalated on Monday, as Israeli occupation forces destroyed a number of Palestinian homes, commercial properties, and agricultural structures, while forcing a Palestinian family in Jerusalem to demolish their own apartments.

Local sources reported that four homes, 18 commercial shops, two residential apartments, and a livestock facility were demolished in the Jenin, Ramallah, and al-Bireh areas. Authorities cited lack of building permits as the reason, a justification frequently used in such cases.

In the Jenin governorate, Israeli occupation forces raided an area near the village of Anza, ordering residents and shop owners to evacuate before demolishing three buildings that housed 18 shops and two occupied apartments. 

Property owners had previously filed legal objections and had reportedly obtained a temporary halt order, but the demolitions were still executed.

Earlier in the day, a three-story house in the Arraba area southwest of Jenin, belonging to a local resident, was also demolished. The operation involved military bulldozers and a heavy deployment of troops, with roads in the area sealed off. 

Residents report an increase in demolitions and land clearing in recent weeks, raising concerns about expanding Israeli control on the ground.

In the Ramallah and al-Bireh governorate, Israeli forces, accompanied by bulldozers, demolished three homes and an agricultural facility in the town of Ni’lin. Local officials said the homes, each housing families, had received prior demolition notices despite legal challenges. Authorities classified the area as “protected land,” where construction is prohibited.

In Occupied Jerusalem, Israeli occupation forced the al-Tawil family to demolish two apartments they owned in the Silwan neighborhood. 

The family, which includes nine members, carried out the demolition themselves after being fined 120,000 shekels in order to avoid higher costs if municipal crews performed the demolition. Palestinians say obtaining building permits in these areas is nearly impossible due to strict restrictions, while Israeli settlement expansion continues.

Data from Palestinian authorities indicate that during the first half of 2026, hundreds of demolition operations were carried out, resulting in widespread destruction of Palestinian property and affecting hundreds of residents.

Under international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, the destruction of civilian property is generally prohibited except in cases of urgent military necessity.