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November 5th , 2024

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BITTER OLIVE HARVEST IN WEST BANK: PALESTINIAN FARMERS FACE SETTLER INTIMIDATION AND LOSS

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3 days ago



Bitter Olive Harvest in West Bank: Palestinian Farmers Face Settler Intimidation and Loss


Nablus, West Bank - The annual olive harvest, typically a time of celebration and abundance, has become a source of anxiety and hardship for many Palestinian farmers in the West Bank. The presence of Israeli settlers, land confiscation, and restricted access to groves have cast a shadow over this vital agricultural tradition.


_Settlement Expansion_


Israel's ongoing settlement expansion has led to:


1. _Land Confiscation_: Thousands of dunams of Palestinian land seized for settlement construction.

2. _Restrictive Policies_: Farmers face difficulties accessing their groves due to military checkpoints and permits.

3. _Settler Violence_: Intimidation, vandalism, and physical attacks on farmers and their property.


_Farmers' Struggle_


Palestinian farmers, like 60-year-old Ahmed Abu Mustafa, face immense challenges:


"I've cultivated these olives for decades, but settlers keep destroying our trees. We're fighting to preserve our land and livelihood."


_Olive Harvest Statistics_


- 100,000+ Palestinian families rely on olive cultivation

- 80% of West Bank olive groves located near settlements

- 10,000+ trees uprooted or damaged by settlers (2022)


_International Community Responds_


Human rights organizations and international bodies condemn the settler violence and land confiscation:


"Israel's settlement expansion undermines the prospects for a two-state solution," said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.


_American and European Union Reactions_


- US State Department: "Concerned about settler violence and land confiscation."

- EU Foreign Affairs Chief: "Settlement expansion threatens regional stability."


_Palestinian Resilience_


Despite hardships, Palestinian farmers persevere:


"We won't give up our land. Olives are our heritage, our identity," said Abu Mustafa.


_Initiatives Supporting Farmers_


Local and international organizations provide aid:


1. _Olive Tree Planting_: Initiatives replace damaged trees.

2. _Farmer Training_: Workshops enhance cultivation techniques.

3. _Market Access_: Programs promote Palestinian olive oil exports.


_Conclusion_


The West Bank's olive harvest has become a symbol of resilience and struggle. Palestinian farmers face immense challenges, but their determination to preserve their land and livelihoods remains unbroken.


_Key Statistics:_


- 100,000+ Palestinian families rely on olive cultivation

- 80% of West Bank olive groves near settlements

- 10,000+ trees uprooted or damaged by settlers (2022)


_Sources:_


- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

- Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture

- Human Rights Watch

- Al Jazeera


_Related News:_


- West Bank Settlement Expansion: A Threat to Peace

- Palestinian Farmers Struggle to Access Olive Groves

- International Community Condemns Settler Violence

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Halima Baidoo

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