International law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention (Article 53) and customary IHL, generally prohibits an Occupying Power from destroying private homes and property, with the only exception being when "absolutely necessary by military operations". This is a strict standard, meaning demolitions not directly tied to immediate military necessity (like quelling threats or removing fortifications) and instead for punitive, political, or planning reasons (like settlements or punishment) are generally illegal and can constitute war crimes, as the Occupying Power must protect the population and allow for normal life.
The Israeli belligerent has never proven that there was/is an absolute necessity, as demolitions of houses are either a punitive action against an occupied person in their prisons, or collective punishment because of an act of resistance by a person belonging to the house, or under a pretext.
This section documents houses and other buildings demolished for unknown reasons.
- Please take note that dates refer to the day when a video, photo, or document was published on the account of a social media user where it was found.
- There may be duplicates, as a video, photo, or document may concern more than one category.
- Credits: photographers, videographers, reporters, and journalists in the West Bank, news agencies, and other sources.
- Details
- Parent Category: DEMOLITION
- Category: Demolitions (reason unknown)
20251222 - Silwan in occupied Jerusalem - Occupation forces demolish a building housing 11 Palestinian households
- Details
- Parent Category: DEMOLITION
- Category: Demolitions (reason unknown)
20251222 - Silwan in occupied Jerusalem - Occupation forces demolish a building housing 11 Palestinian households
- Details
- Parent Category: DEMOLITION
- Category: Demolitions (reason unknown)
20251222 - Silwan in occupied Jerusalem - Occupation forces demolish a building housing 11 Palestinian households
- Details
- Parent Category: DEMOLITION
- Category: Demolitions (reason unknown)
20251220 - Zarzir, northern occupied West Bank - Palestinians protesting Israeli home demolitions
- Details
- Parent Category: DEMOLITION
- Category: Demolitions (reason unknown)
20251216 - Ni’lin, west of Ramallah - Israeli excavators are demolishing a two-storey home