RAMALLAH, October 12, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli colonists cut down dozens of olive trees on Sunday in the village of al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to local sources.

Witnesses reported that a group of colonists raided an area west of the village and cut down 150 olive trees at the start of the olive harvest season, before withdrawing from the area. Earlier in the day, colonists were also seen grazing their sheep on Palestinian-owned farmland in the village.

Meanwhile, in the village of Umm Safa, north of Ramallah, local sources said that colonists stormed the Jabal al-Ras area, which Israeli forces seized several months ago, and stole three beehives. They also smashed four additional hives belonging to local resident Basheer Abu Mohammad.

According to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, colonists carried out 232 acts of vandalism and theft against Palestinian property during July alone. These incidents included damage to large areas of land and the uprooting, destruction, or poisoning of 2,844 trees, including 2,647 olive trees.

Each year during the olive harvest season, Palestinian farmers face intensified attacks by army-backed Israeli colonists across the occupied West Bank. These assaults often include physical violence, theft of crops, destruction of olive trees, and denial of access to farmland—especially near illegal settlements.

According to human rights groups, such attacks are rarely investigated or prosecuted by Israeli authorities, contributing to an atmosphere of impunity. Olive farming is a vital part of Palestinian culture and economy, and these disruptions often result in significant financial loss and emotional harm to families who depend on their harvests.

M.N