Farmers Face Increased Violence During West Bank Olive Harvest, Report Finds

NABLUS: Farmers in the West Bank face heightened challenges during this year's olive harvest season, due to increased violence from settlers and the occupation authorities, which could result in a significant loss of the crop, according to a new report. According to Maan News Agency, the National Bureau for Defending Land and Resisting Settlements has reported that settler groups, under the protection of the occupation army, have been actively preventing farmers from accessing their olive groves. Incidents include theft, vandalism, and physical attacks, resulting in the death of Hanan Abu Salama, a 59-year-old farmer. The violence has intensified with the involvement of extremist groups such as Ben Gvir's gangs, leaving farmers unable to reach approximately 80,000 dunums of land, which is expected to result in a 15% reduction in this year's olive harvest. The report also highlights the lack of action from Israeli police units led by Avshai Moalem, who have reportedly ceased coordination with the Shabak, lim iting efforts to curb settler violence. Haaretz has cited Shabak officials criticizing the unit's failure to address escalating violence against Palestinians. Furthermore, the report details ongoing expansion of settlements, with new tenders for 286 units in East Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo settlement, potentially hindering the future development of Palestinian neighborhoods. The report notes the establishment of 43 illegal outposts this year, a significant increase from previous years, which is seen as part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinian farmers and shepherds. The olive tree, a symbol of Palestinian resilience, has been severely impacted by the conflict. In the Gaza Strip, over 75% of olive trees have been destroyed. Military restrictions and checkpoints in the West Bank further exacerbate difficulties for farmers, with large swathes of land declared as closed military zones. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented 113 settler attacks last year, with the highest incidents occurring in Nablus and Ramallah. The presence of occupation forces during these attacks is frequently noted, often resulting in further violence against Palestinians. The report provides a detailed account of recent violations in several West Bank regions, including land confiscations, demolitions, and attacks on farmers, reflecting a pattern of ongoing tensions and violence during the harvest season.