Jerusalem: A report by the Jerusalem Governorate documented systematic Israeli occupation violations in the governorate during January 2026, with the most prominent violations being the escalating attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, accompanied by attempts to impose a new status quo and undermine the historical and legal situation. These were followed by continued demolition and land-leveling operations, injuries among civilians, arbitrary arrests, prison sentences, house arrest orders, forced banishment decisions, and the advancement of colonial settlement plans aimed at Judaizing the city.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, January 2026 witnessed a qualitative and systematic escalation in Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Jerusalem Governorate documented the storming of the mosque's courtyards by 4,397 settlers, in addition to 7,868 others who entered under the guise of so-called 'tourism.' These incursions were accompanied by dangerous official measures, including the storming of the mosque by extremist minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the distribution of Jewish prayer leaflets, the performance of dances and what is referred to as 'epic prostration,' as well as recommendations issued by the Knesset to restrict worshippers' access during the upcoming month of Ramadan. These actions constitute a direct violation of the historical and legal status quo and represent an overt attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque.
During the same period, the Jerusalem Governorate recorded 31 injuries, including injuries caused by live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, physical assaults, and burns resulting from tear gas canisters. Most injuries were among Palestinian workers, particularly in the town of Al-Ram and the vicinity of the apartheid separation wall, where 13 injuries were recorded as a result of direct gunfire or falls while attempting to cross the wall. Among the injured were citizen Yousef Zawahra and his wife, who were attacked by settlers during an assault on the Bedouin community of Khillet Al-Sidra near Mikhmas.
The report also highlighted 53 settler attacks, including 4 physical assaults, involving incursions into Palestinian lands and properties in Silwan and Bedouin communities in Khan Al-Ahmar and Mikhmas, provocative acts in the Old City, and assaults on civilians and Islamic and Christian holy sites, including churches and mosques. Such attacks form part of a systematic policy in which settlers operate as an extension of the occupation forces, with direct support from Israel's far-right government, which provides legal and political cover and encourages continued aggression against the Palestinian population.
Further emphasizing the tense situation, the Jerusalem Governorate documented 103 arrests, including 5 children and 2 women, across various areas of occupied Jerusalem. These arrests were accompanied by widespread home raids, field arrests at checkpoints and roads, excessive use of force, and physical assaults. Arrests were concentrated in Hizma, Shuafat Refugee Camp, Anata, Silwan, Al-Issawiya, Qalandiya Refugee Camp, Kafr Aqab, Beit Duqqu, Bab Al-Amud, and the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, where worshippers, male and female guardians, and youth were directly targeted.
Israeli occupation courts continued issuing arbitrary decisions against Jerusalemites, including severe movement restrictions, heavy financial fines, forced house arrest, banishment orders, and travel bans. Additionally, the Jerusalem Governorate documented 29 court rulings and decisions against Jerusalemite detainees, including 19 administrative detention orders, many of which involved second, third, and even fourth consecutive renewals without charge.
In terms of demolition and land confiscation, there were 86 operations, including 5 forced self-demolitions, 79 demolitions carried out by occupation machinery, and 2 land-leveling operations targeting agricultural lands. Data indicate that 70 demolitions were concentrated in the Airport Neighborhood, as part of what Israeli authorities termed 'Operation Jerusalem Shield,' one of the largest collective demolition campaigns in the area.
Occupied Jerusalem also witnessed a serious escalation in systematic Israeli attacks targeting religious sites, educational, cultural, health, and media institutions during January 2026. These actions form part of a comprehensive policy aimed at dismantling Palestinian institutional presence, undermining community resilience, and imposing forced realities that serve Judaization and Israelization projects.
Lastly, the Jerusalem Governorate recorded 20 settlement plans during January 2026, involving the construction of numerous settlement units over large areas, reflecting a continued push towards expanding Israeli presence and control over Jerusalem.
