Rising Violence Against Palestinian Olive Harvesters in the West Bank

The olive harvest season in the West Bank has been marred by a significant increase in violence against Palestinian farmers, particularly from Israeli settlers. This year, the Palestinian Authority's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported at least 259 attacks on olive pickers since the season began in early October 2025. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented over 4,000 vandalized olive trees and saplings, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Umm Shukry, a 72-year-old farmer, expressed her despair as she inspected her damaged olive trees, stating, “I am suffocated from seeing my hard work turn out like this.” Her family has faced threats and violence from settlers, forcing them to abandon their land. The economic implications are dire; for many families, including that of Shukry’s son, Shukry Shehadeh, the loss amounts to significant financial hardship, with Shehadeh estimating a loss of nearly $25,000 over two years.

The UN reported a 13% increase in settler attacks in the first half of 2025, with an average of eight incidents per day. In October alone, OCHA recorded 264 settler attacks, which included physical assaults and property damage. The violence has been particularly pronounced in areas like Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron, where settlers have targeted olive pickers and their lands.

The UN has urged Israel, as the occupying power, to take action against these attacks, stating that the failure to prevent or punish such violence is inconsistent with international law. In response to specific incidents, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged inappropriate conduct by soldiers but have faced criticism for a lack of accountability. Activists from the Israeli human rights organization Rabbis for Human Rights have reported that settlers often act with impunity, with little to no arrests made following attacks.

The rise in violence coincides with an accelerated Israeli land grab, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the doubling of Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The Higher Planning Council is set to advance plans for nearly 2,000 new settlement units, raising concerns about the future of Palestinian land and livelihoods. Critics argue that these actions undermine the possibility of a two-state solution, as they further entrench Israeli control over the territory.

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Eyewitness accounts reveal the harsh realities faced by Palestinian farmers. Ahmad Shakarna recounted a violent encounter where he was assaulted by settlers while trying to rescue his mother-in-law from Israeli soldiers. He stated, “Isn’t it an odd sight to see – an army holding a civilian and allowing settlers to beat him?” Such incidents reflect a broader pattern of violence that has intensified since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.

As the olive harvest season continues, Palestinian farmers remain determined to protect their land and livelihoods despite the escalating violence. Umm Shukry’s resolve is emblematic of many: “I will remain here underneath my olives. I won’t leave.” The ongoing situation underscores the complex interplay of agricultural tradition, economic necessity, and the harsh realities of occupation in the West Bank.