May 2025 in the city of Jerusalem
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center – Jerusalem issued its monthly report for May 2025, documenting the violations committed against the city of Jerusalem.
Serious violations continued at Al-Aqsa Mosque during this month, along with daily arrest campaigns, demolitions and displacements, deportation orders against Jerusalemites, and settler attacks.
Two Jerusalemite martyrs and continuing to detain martyrs’ bodies
• On May 16, 2025, 17-year-old Mohammad Abu Libdeh, from the town of Beit Hanina, was shot dead at al-Silsila Gate – one of the gates of Al-Aqsa – on the pretext of carrying out a stabbing attack. His body was detained. The martyr has two twin brothers, and he was preparing for his high school exams.
• On May 22, 2025, Fouad Alayan (30 years old) from the village of Beit Safafa, south of Jerusalem, was martyred after being deliberately run over by two settlers in the western part of the city. According to eyewitness, the settlers chased Fouad and his cousin while they were riding a motorcycle, before running him over. The Israeli authorities detained the martyr's body for four days before handing it over to his family.
Bodies held in "Numbered Cemeteries" and refrigerators
The occupation authorities continue their policy of holding the bodies of martyrs in refrigerators. The Wadi Hilweh Information Center explained that the bodies of 29 martyrs from Jerusalem are being held in refrigerators:
1. Martyr Mesbah Abu Sbeih; since October 2016
2. Martyr Fadi Al-Qunbar; since January 2017
3. Martyr Aziz Aweisat; since May 2018
4. Martyr Shaher Abu Khadija; since May 2021
5. Martyr Zuhdi Al-Taweel; since May 2021
6. Martyr Fadi Abu Shkheidem; since November 2021
7. Martyr Karim Jamal Al-Qawasmi; since March 2022
8. Martyr Uday Al-Tamimi; since October 2022
9. Martyr Amer Halabiya; since November 2022
10. Martyr Khairy Alqam; since January 2023
11. Martyr Hussein Qaraqe; since February 2023
12. Martyr Ishaq Al-Ajlouni; since June 2023
13. Martyr Khaled Al-Za’anin; since August 2023
14. Martyr Ali Al-Abbasi; since October 2023
15. Martyr Abdel Rahman Faraj; since October 2023
16. Martyr Khaled Al-Muhtaseb; since October 2023
17. Martyr Adam Abulhawa; since October 2023
18. Martyr Mohammad Omar Al-Farroukh (minor); since November 2023
19. Martyr Murad Nimer; since November 2023
20. Martyr Ibrahim Nimer; since November 2023
21. Martyr Ahmad Alayan; since December 2023
22. Martyr Wadi’ Alayan; since February 2024
23. Martyr Fadi Jamjoum; since February 2024
24. Martyr Nour Nizar Shihabi, since May 2024
25. Mohammad Ghaleb Shihab, since July 2024
26. Shadi Shiha; since August 2024
27. Sami Al-Amoud; since October 2024
28. Omar Shweiki; since October 2024
29. Mohammad Abu Libdeh; since May 2025
Al-Aqsa Mosque... A dangerous precedent and difficult days
During the month of May, Al-Aqsa Mosque witnessed a significant escalation in violations, represented by the widespread daily incursions carried out by "Temple Mount" groups under the protection of the occupation police, and the exploitation of Jewish holidays and occasions to impose a new reality within the mosque.
The number of intruders into Al-Aqsa Mosque during the two incursions during May (morning, 7:00-11:30, and afternoon, 1:30-3:00) reached more than 6,700 settlers.
Al-Aqsa Mosque experienced several difficult days, the most notable of which was on May 12, when an extremist settler stormed the mosque carrying a sacrificial lamb (a small goat) and performed religious rituals that included prayer and prostration within the mosque's courtyards. This occurred on the occasion of what is known as the "Second Passover" (the "Little Passover"). This was a first for Al-Aqsa Mosque since its occupation.
The settler was part of a group of nine settlers who attempted to storm the mosque through al-Ghawanmeh Gate in the Old City. One of them managed to enter carrying a goat in a small bag, and a Jerusalemite confronted them. Meanwhile, employees of the Islamic Endowments Department and worshippers intervened to remove the settler from the mosque.
According to the report, 611 extremist settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque during the “Little Passover” holiday.
On May 26, the anniversary of the so-called "Nakba" according to the Hebrew calendar, Al-Aqsa witnessed a massive incursion by 2,092 settlers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Negev and Galilee Minister Yitzhak Werner, a number of Knesset members, and senior rabbis. The mosque appeared to have been transformed into an official meeting place.
On that day, serious violations were recorded, most notably the widespread raising of Israeli flags inside the mosque. A number of settlers wore T-shirts bearing images of the flags and of the so-called "alleged Temple." They also raised the blue "Temple Flag." They also brought Jewish prayer tools (tefillin and tallit) that are designated for prayer in synagogues. Collective prayers and prostrations took place in several locations, and groups of dancing, singing, and clapping took place inside the mosque courtyards. The occupation police allowed six groups of settlers to be inside Al-Aqsa Mosque at one time.
The "Temple" groups announced that the last group of settlers left Al-Aqsa at 3:40, extending the period of incursions beyond the announced time.
On May 1st, 515 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, coinciding with what is known as "Independence Day" for the occupation, which commemorates the Nakba of the Palestinian people. The Israeli flag was raised several times inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and placed on baby carriages, in addition to public group prayers, prostration, singing, and clapping.
In contrast to the widespread raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque last May, the occupation forces prevented Muslims from entering the mosque from the early morning hours on most days, especially during the aforementioned Jewish holidays and occasions, and demanded that they return after 3:30 p.m., after the end of the raids.
On May 16, the occupation forces closed the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque after the shooting of the young man, Mohammad Abu Libdeh, during the evening prayer.
"Ribat al-Kurd" Expansion in favor of the settlers
May 5, 2025: Joint crews from the Israeli municipality and the Israel Antiquities Authority, accompanied by police and intelligence forces, raided “Ribat al-Kurd (Hosh Shihabi), adjacent to the western wall of Al-Aqsa Mosque. During the raid, the occupation authorities removed metal panels and iron supports, and removed bags of dirt and stones from an area that had been closed off for years. They also removed a container used by residents of the Housh. They began field work aimed at expanding the area for the benefit of settlers, within what is known as the "Little Wailing Wall," which the occupation considers an extension of the Al-BuraqWall.
Israeli media revealed that these works were carried out on direct instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
UNRWA Schools... Closed
On May 8, 2025, the Israeli occupation authorities began implementing their decision to ban the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied Jerusalem by forcibly closing the agency's schools. Occupation forces, accompanied by employees from the occupation municipality and the Ministry of Education, raided the agency's schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp about an hour after the start of the school day. They evacuated the buildings of students and teachers, took the IDs of teaching staff members, and posted official closure notices on the school doors. Later, the raids extended to the vicinity of UNRWA schools in the neighborhoods of Wadi al-Joz, Silwan, and Sur Baher, where closure notices were placed at the main entrances, detailing the school's name, street, neighborhood, and principal's name.
UNRWA schools in Jerusalem serve approximately 800 students. UNRWA's educational facilities in the city include three schools in Shu’fat refugee camp and one school each in Sur Baher, Silwan, and Wadi al-Joz. These schools offer both elementary and basic education, and are separate for boys and girls. Together, these schools employ more than 60 teachers.
This step comes after the Israeli Knesset passed a law in October 2024 prohibiting UNRWA activities within the so-called "territory of the State of Israel," along with another law prohibiting any official contact with the agency. In February 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued direct instructions to implement the law.
Settler attacks
Settlers continued their attacks against Jerusalemites during May 2025, including attacks on people and property.
Among the most notable of these violations was the attack on Fouad Alayan and his cousin Baraa while they were in a public park in the Qatamun area, west of Jerusalem. A group of settlers followed them with insults and threats. The attack then escalated into a chase after they left the area on a motorcycle. When they stopped at a red light, one of the settlers deliberately ran them over with his vehicle, killing Fouad (30 years old) from the village of Beit Safafa, and injuring Baraa with fractures. The occupation authorities withheld Fouad's body for four days before handing it over to his family.
A settler also removed the tomb of Jerusalemite Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali al-Dajani from his shrine, located in the Ma'man Allah Cemetery west of Jerusalem, and converted the site into his own private residence. The Dajani family revealed the attack during their regular visit to the site on May 28, 2025, when they were surprised to find the tomb removed and furniture placed inside the shrine. This attack is an extension of systematic violations targeting the Ma'man Allah Cemetery, which is considered one of the oldest and largest Islamic cemeteries in Jerusalem. It has been repeatedly targeted by the occupation municipality and settler groups, aiming to obliterate Islamic landmarks and transform the land into Judaization and tourism projects.
Last May, settlers stormed the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, waving Israeli flags. Some of them infiltrated the fence and removed the lock on the main door. The raid was led by MK Julia Malinovsky of the Yisrael Beiteinu party. Several months ago, UNRWA evacuated its headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah following a law banning it.
Settlers also assaulted and verbally abused Jerusalemites in West Jerusalem and bus drivers on duty.
The “Flag Dance” march... "The Jerusalem Naksa is repeated annually"
On the anniversary of the occupation of Jerusalem (according to the Hebrew calendar) and the so-called "unification of Jerusalem," settlers organize an annual "Flag Dance" march, starting from western Jerusalem toward its eastern part, reaching the Al-Buraq Wall, passing through Damascus Gate and the alleys and markets of the Old City.
Settlers transformed Damascus Gate Square into a stage for singing, dancing, and drumming. Songs were broadcast over loudspeakers, and groups of people formed to sing. Israeli and "Temple” flags were also raised, and racist slogans were chanted calling for the expulsion of Arabs and Muslims from the city, and insulting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Numerous attacks were also recorded against Jerusalemites and their property during and before the Flag Dance march, including beatings, insults, and pepper spray.
Israeli Cabinet Session in Silwan
On the so-called "Unification of Jerusalem" Day, the Israeli government held a special session commemorating the occupation of Jerusalem inside the City of David settlement outpost in the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood of Silwan. The session was held amid an unannounced curfew inside and around the neighborhood, restricting the movement of residents, and prohibiting them from standing in front of their homes or even looking out of their windows.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by several ministers and Knesset members, toured the Silwan tunnels and several settlement outposts.
Demolitions continue
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center documented 27 demolitions and closures during the month of May. These included demolitions of residential, commercial, and agricultural facilities, as well as the closure of commercial establishments under the pretext of employing Palestinians with West Bank ID cards.
Continuous arrests
The Israeli occupation authorities continued their arrest campaigns in Jerusalem, carrying out daily arrests from the city. The arrests included children, youth, women, and the elderly, in addition to dozens of young men from the West Bank, under the pretext of "illegal residence in Jerusalem."
Deportations and travel-bans
The occupation issued 13 deportation orders and travel bans, that included deportation from Jerusalem, the Old City, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Yusufiya Cemetery and the Martyrs' Monument return to the forefront
The Israeli Magistrate's Court dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Islamic Cemeteries Committee against the Jerusalem Municipality and the Nature and Parks Authority to halt the excavation and demolition work carried out on the land of Al-Yusufiya Cemetery and the Martyrs' Monument at Lions Gate in Jerusalem. The court decided to dismiss the lawsuit in form and not recognize the legal personality of the Islamic Cemeteries Committee. The court stated that the committee does not have the right to litigate or represent Muslims regarding Islamic cemeteries in Jerusalem, according to Israeli law. The court imposed a fee of 70,000 shekels on the committee.
