Escalating Violence Against Palestinian Olive Harvesters in the West Bank

The annual olive harvest in the West Bank, a vital economic and cultural event for Palestinian communities, is marred by escalating violence from Israeli settlers. This year's harvest, which began in early October, has witnessed a significant increase in attacks, with reports indicating over 260 incidents of violence against Palestinian farmers, activists, and journalists. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented an average of eight settler attacks per day, marking the highest monthly toll in nearly two decades.

PBS News HourUN Reports Record Number of Settler Attacks in the West BankTimes of IsraelMiddle East Monitor

Palestinian farmers like Umm Shukry and Shukry Shehadeh have faced severe challenges during this harvest season. Umm Shukry, who has tended her olive trees for over a decade, found her land largely inaccessible due to settler violence and military restrictions. She expressed her despair, stating, “I am suffocated from seeing my hard work turn out like this.” Reports indicate that more than 4,000 olive trees and saplings have been vandalized, significantly impacting the livelihoods of approximately 100,000 families who depend on the harvest.

Shukry Shehadeh detailed the financial losses incurred during his absence from the land, estimating a loss of nearly $25,000 due to settler actions. The UN has noted a 13% increase in settler attacks compared to the previous year, with 757 incidents reported in the first half of 2025 alone.

The violence often occurs in the presence of Israeli soldiers, raising concerns about complicity. Activists have reported instances where soldiers have supported settlers or failed to intervene during attacks. For example, during a recent incident in Beita, dozens of masked settlers assaulted a group of Palestinian villagers and journalists, resulting in multiple injuries. Witnesses noted that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were absent during the attack, despite claims of dispatched troops.

Times of IsraelPBS News HourSettler Attacks, Expansion Deepen West Bank Annexation

The IDF has publicly condemned acts of violence, stating that such conduct does not align with their values. However, critics argue that the military's inaction during settler attacks reflects a broader pattern of impunity. Rights groups have highlighted that prosecutions for settler violence are exceedingly rare, with only 3.8% of cases resulting in charges.

The rise in settler violence is occurring against a backdrop of accelerated Israeli settlement expansion and land expropriation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel has doubled Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. This expansion is seen as part of a systematic effort to undermine Palestinian rural life and displace communities.

Settler Attacks, Expansion Deepen West Bank Annexation

The olive tree, a symbol of resilience and heritage for Palestinians, is increasingly under threat. Activists and local communities continue to mobilize international support to protect their harvest, but the risks remain high. As one farmer poignantly stated, “The olive tree existed before the occupation... we will not abandon it.”

“Olive Harvest Under Siege: Palestinian Farmers Confront Settler Campaign”

The UN has urged Israel to prevent further attacks, emphasizing that the failure to do so is inconsistent with international law. Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Relief Chief, warned of the implications of unchecked violence. The IDF has stated that investigations into incidents will be conducted, but skepticism remains regarding the sincerity and effectiveness of these inquiries.

• “I am suffocated. I am suffocated from seeing my hard work turn out like this,” — Umm Shukry, Palestinian Farmer

• “They know exactly what happened, but they don’t care. They want to hide the crime they committed,” — Ahmad Shakarna, Palestinian Farmer

• “It's a pattern we see every day,” — Jonathan Pollak, Israeli Rights Activist

PBS News Hour

The ongoing violence against Palestinian olive harvesters underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect vulnerable communities in the West Bank.