West Bank Olive Harvest Begins Amid Escalating Settler Attacks

The start of the olive harvest in the West Bank has coincided with a marked escalation in settler attacks on Palestinian farmers, olive groves and homes across several areas.

Olive trees have been burned and uprooted, placing the crop itself in the crosshairs as farmers begin the seasonal work of gathering their harvest.

The attacks have extended beyond agricultural land to Palestinian homes, broadening the threat facing communities during the picking season.

Religious justifications have also been invoked in connection with the targeting of olive trees. The available details do not identify those making such claims or set out their specific arguments.

The escalation leaves farmers facing threats both to their safety during the harvest and to the trees on which future seasons depend.