Coalition Advocates for National Plan to Support Palestinian Farmers Amid Ongoing Conflict

RAMALLAH: The Coalition for Integrity and Accountability (AMAN) has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to bolster the resilience of Palestinian farmers, particularly during the olive harvest season. The coalition, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, detailed the scope and objectives of the "Fazaa" campaign, which aims to support farmers facing threats from armed settlers and military forces. The campaign is a collaborative effort involving government, civil institutions, and international partners. According to Maan News Agency, the session was initiated with a speech by AMAN's Executive Director, Issam Haj Hussein, who highlighted the campaign's significance in its second consecutive season amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He noted the campaign's role in countering settler attacks that aim to disrupt olive harvesting and displace Palestinian communities. The session was attended by notable figures including Minister of Agri culture Dr. Rizq Salimiya and Minister of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission Mu'ayyad Shaaban, who emphasized the need for sustained support and engagement beyond the harvest season. Minister Dr. Rizq Salimiya explained that "Fazaa" is rooted in Palestinian heritage and represents a comprehensive plan formed in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by farmers, including restricted access to land and direct attacks, by coordinating efforts across different sectors and regions. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that between 100,000 to 150,000 dunams of olive trees remain inaccessible to farmers, with significant areas affected in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Additionally, the campaign has mobilized resources for harvesting, including machinery and volunteer support, and has established a timeline for harvesting different olive varieties. Despite the challenges, the campaign anticipates a producti on of 17,700 tons of olive oil this year, with a substantial portion intended for export. Mu'ayyad Shaaban, representing the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, reported 90 recorded attacks by settlers and military forces since the campaign began. He underscored the importance of international solidarity and protection, noting the targeted violence against foreign activists supporting Palestinian farmers. The campaign also calls for increased participation from local and international bodies to protect farmers and ensure the continuity of agricultural practices. Initiatives like the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and the Urgent Agricultural Response Fund have been launched to address immediate needs and long-term sustainability. The challenges faced by farmers in Jerusalem were highlighted by Tahani Al-Lawzi, who emphasized the lack of support and permissions for Jerusalemite farmers. The session also featured input from the Civil Defense, Red Crescent, and various NGOs, all advocating for a coo rdinated and sustained approach to support Palestinian agriculture. Dr. Azmi Al-Shuaibi of the Aman Coalition concluded by stressing the importance of institutionalizing a national plan under centralized supervision to ensure the campaign's sustainability and effectiveness in supporting Palestinian farmers against settler aggression.