Settlers Disrupt Olive Harvest Near Salfit, Claim Military Zone

Salfit: Settlers from the "Rafafa" settlement have reportedly obstructed and attacked a Palestinian family for the fifth consecutive time as they attempted to harvest olives on their land in Deir Istiya, northwest of Salfit. The incidents have raised concerns over escalating tensions in the region. According to Maan News Agency, Ahmed Abu Ali, one of the affected family members, stated that individuals dressed in Israeli army uniforms and armed approached them, claiming that the area was a closed military zone. The settlers also allegedly confiscated 5 ladders, mattresses, and a donkey during the altercation, forcing the family to cease their activities and leave the premises under threat. Firas Diab, the mayor of Deir Istiya, expressed concerns over the increased frequency of such attacks targeting local farmers. Diab noted that other residents, including farmers Hazem Abu Hijleh, Abdul Jaber Aql, Ayman Zaghloul, and the family of the late Yousef Aql, have similarly faced expulsion, assault, and gunfire wh ile tending to their olive groves. This incident marks the first of its kind during the current olive season in Deir Istiya, with settlers distributing maps to substantiate their claims of a military zone. The situation reflects ongoing disputes and tensions over land use and ownership in the region, particularly during the critical olive harvest season, which is vital for the livelihoods of many local families. The frequency of such encounters underscores the challenges faced by Palestinian farmers in accessing and cultivating their lands amid settlement activities.