RAMALLAH: Palestinian farmers in the occupied West Bank are facing increasing incursions and violence from Israeli settlers, leading to a climate of fear where they are concerned about the snatching of their homes and land. The violence is compounded by recent Israeli army raids in urban areas, such as Jenin City and a refugee camp, resulting in casualties and fatalities.
This situation adds to the already dire conditions in the West Bank, where at least 237 Palestinians have been killed and about 2,850 injured by Israeli forces since October 7, according to the Ministry of Health.
Ayman Assad, a 45-year-old farmer, shared the distressing impact on his family, who live 2km from the violence. The continuous attacks in nearby areas have led his children to abandon outdoor activities due to fear. The escalation of violence and roadblocks imposed by the Israeli army has disrupted the children’s education, with classes running online.
Aside from the immediate threat of violence, farmers like Assad worry about the safety of their agricultural assets. Palestine, known for its olives and vegetables, faces a risk to its agricultural heritage as Israeli settlers increasingly encroach on olive groves and farmland.
Israeli Forces and Settlers Violence Against Palestinians in West Bank
The Director of the Palestinian Farmers’ Union, Abbas Milhem, highlighted the intensification of settler incursions in recent weeks, particularly during curfew hours imposed by Israeli forces. Milhem’s family farm also fell victim to armed Israeli settlers who invaded, fired shots, and stole olives during the harvest.
One incident involved five settlers intimidating farmworkers, shooting in their direction, confiscating phones, and forcefully taking harvested olives. Despite the farm being located in Area B, theoretically under Palestinian Authority control, it is now under military control, preventing the farmers from returning.
The United Nations reports a 20 percent increase in poverty and a 4.2 percent decline in GDP in the West Bank since October 7, severely affecting Palestinians’ livelihoods. Restricted movement imposed by Israeli forces has halted exports, with nearly 50 percent of olives left unharvested.
The plight of Salah Awwad, who lost his home and land to settlers in August, exemplifies the dire situation. Israeli settlers invaded his property, set fire to it, and forced him to flee with his family. Awwad’s new home is under constant threat, and he is barred from allowing his sheep to graze, impacting his income.
