The West Bank olive harvest has encountered an ominous start this season, marked extensively by rising Israeli settler attacks, live ammunition, arson, and the destruction of centuries-old trees. In the first two weeks of October, the UN aid coordination office recorded at least 160 settler attacks linked to the harvest, frequently occurring under the protection or participation of Israeli forces. Beyond damaging property and harvesting equipment, settlers have stolen crops and assaulted journalists and European diplomats.

UN Demands Urgent Action

The UN human rights office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory urged states and donors to move past condemnation and take urgent action to protect Palestinian communities. Thousands of farmers remain unable to reach their groves due to severe movement restrictions that have worsened over the past three years, while settlers are permitted onto Palestinian land to harvest crops. Ajith Sunghay, Head of the UN human rights office in the territory, described the situation as another tool of displacement and dispossession, adding to daily attacks on community rights.

Heavy Losses and Ongoing Support

The toll on the agricultural sector has been severe, with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture estimating losses at $157 million since October 2023. Additionally, 90 percent of Gaza’s two million olive trees have been destroyed, and 286,000 trees were damaged in the West Bank between 2023 and the end of September 2026. The Protection Cluster, led by the human rights office, urged member states to increase their diplomatic field presence and press Israel to guarantee safe access to agricultural land. Meanwhile, UN agencies have a history of intervention, including UNRWA assisting farmers with harvests and the allocation of $750,000 from the Humanitarian Fund in 2024 to support olive farmers.

Source: Cosmo News Desk