Key Developments Reported Across Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank
A range of political, humanitarian, and economic developments were reported this week across Gaza, occupied Jerusalem, and the West Bank, reflecting the continued escalation of displacement, military measures, and worsening civilian conditions.
Gaza War Cost Reported at $110 Billion
According to Haaretz, citing the Israel Bank, the financial cost of the Gaza war has reached $110 billion, underscoring the scale of economic strain alongside the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Evictions and Displacement in Jerusalem
Reports from the Occupied Jerusalem Bulletin on Friday (2 January 2026) indicate what observers describe as the largest coordinated displacement wave in Jerusalem since 1967. More than 130 Palestinians in Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, are facing imminent eviction following a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court.
In Batn al-Hawa, occupation authorities reportedly issued evacuation decisions affecting Palestinian-owned buildings, while the Jerusalem Municipality has begun distributing notices in Al-Bustan aimed at seizing land for redevelopment into public parks and parking areas serving settlers.
Continued Demolitions Across Historic Palestine
Channel 12 reported that in 2025, Israeli authorities demolished approximately 5,000 homes in towns inside Palestine, marking a 300 percent increase compared to previous years. Observers warn that demolition policies and settlement expansion continue to reshape Palestinian communities through forced displacement.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
International and UN reports state that one million people in Gaza are in urgent need of shelter assistance. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme winter weather, with heavy rain and freezing winds impacting displaced families living in tents.
One incident highlighted the severity of these conditions: a fire broke out inside a tent after a mother attempted to light a candle for warmth, resulting in the death of a woman and child and injuring another child.
Prisoners, Detentions, and Escalating Rhetoric
The number of Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life in Israeli prisons has reportedly risen to 116, while the occupation continues to detain the bodies of 51 Jerusalemite Palestinians since 1967.
Meanwhile, Israeli political rhetoric has drawn attention, including statements by officials asserting claims over Gaza and the West Bank, and reports of extremist settler simulations depicting the demolition of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The UN has also called on Israel to abandon draft legislation concerning the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
Regional and International Reactions
International concern continues to grow. Eight Arab and Islamic countries issued warnings over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly under worsening weather conditions and restricted aid access.
Public figures, including actress and activist Angelina Jolie, have also spoken out, describing Gaza’s suffering as beyond description while visiting humanitarian operations near Rafah.
Ongoing Violence and Settler Attacks
Reports this week included renewed settler militia attacks in multiple West Bank communities, with injuries reported near Bethlehem and Tubas, and continued incursions in areas surrounding Ramallah and Salfit.
Residents in Nour Shams camp near Tulkarm reported large-scale demolitions, with 25 buildings destroyed over several days, displacing hundreds.
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Report Highlights Rising Journalist Death Toll in Gaza
A recently circulated memorial image reports that 257 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023. The graphic presents a large collection of portraits, underscoring the scale of journalist fatalities during the ongoing conflict.
The figure reflects the growing risks faced by media workers operating in Gaza, where reporting conditions have become increasingly dangerous amid sustained military operations and severe humanitarian disruption.
Journalists in Conflict Zones
Journalists play a central role during war by documenting events on the ground, providing information to local and international audiences, and recording developments that may otherwise remain inaccessible. In Gaza, reporters have continued working under extreme conditions, including infrastructure collapse, displacement, and limited access to safety and medical support.
The reported death toll highlights the vulnerability of press workers in active conflict environments.
Press Freedom and Access to Information
The large number of journalist deaths has raised broader concerns among press freedom organizations and international observers about the ability of media to operate safely. When journalists are killed, the flow of independent information is reduced, limiting documentation and public visibility during crises.
Ongoing Global Attention
The image serves as both a statistical summary and a visual record of those lost, drawing renewed attention to the human cost of war for those tasked with reporting it.
As the conflict continues, journalist safety and the protection of civilians, including media workers, remain central issues in international discussions.
Arrest of Palestinian Activist Ayman Ghrayeb Raises Concerns Over Crackdown on Documentation Work
On November 17, 2025, prominent Palestinian activist Ayman Ghrayeb arrived at the entrance of the village of Fasayil in the Jordan Valley to document what relatives describe as the ongoing displacement of Palestinian communities amid settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
According to reports, Israeli settlers blocked Ghrayeb’s access and called the army to the scene. He was detained for several hours before being taken to an undisclosed location. Both the Israeli army and police initially denied holding him, and his lawyers were only informed two days later that he was being detained at the Samra military base.
Detention Conditions and Administrative Detention
Family members and legal representatives state that during his detention, Ghrayeb was kept outdoors in handcuffs, deprived of food for several days, and subjected to severe physical assault requiring medical inspection.
Six days after his arrest, he was interrogated on vague suspicion of “incitement.” His attorney was reportedly notified in advance that he would be placed under administrative detention, a form of imprisonment without charge or trial based on undisclosed evidence.
Ghrayeb is now being held in Megiddo Prison, where multiple Palestinian detainees have reportedly died since October 2023.
Ayman Ghrayeb documents the aftermath of an Israeli settlers attack in Sinjil, occupied West Bank, April 23, 2025. (Oren Ziv)
A Target for His Field Documentation
Ayman Ghrayeb, a 42-year-old father of four from the town of Tammun, is widely known for documenting settler attacks, expulsions, and military abuses across the West Bank. He has often been one of the only activists present at sites of displacement, publishing videos and reports that reach journalists, diplomats, and human rights organizations.
Relatives argue that his arrest is intended to prevent documentation of events occurring in vulnerable communities, particularly in Area C of the West Bank.
Broader Pattern of Arrests Against Nonviolent Activists
Ghrayeb’s case is part of a wider pattern described by human rights lawyers and activists. Since the beginning of the Gaza war, Israel has expanded the use of administrative detention against Palestinian activists, allowing individuals to be held for extended periods without formal charges.
Attorney Riham Nasra, who represents multiple detainees, stated that thousands of Palestinians are currently being held under such orders in increasingly harsh prison conditions, with limited ability to challenge accusations due to classified evidence.
Another recent case includes activist Rabia Abu Naim, detained while coordinating volunteers for the olive harvest, who was issued an administrative detention order after only a brief interrogation.
Ongoing Impact on Communities Under Threat
Activists and residents emphasize that arrests of individuals like Ghrayeb are not only personal detentions, but also affect broader community efforts to remain on their land, document abuses, and resist displacement through nonviolent means.
As one activist noted, the targeting of those most connected to the ground is seen as an attempt to weaken community steadfastness and deter further documentation.
Read more here: https://www.972mag.com/ayman-ghrayeb-arrest-settlers/