TULKARM, October 15, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces and colonists' groups attacked farmers and volunteers on Wednesday while they were harvesting olives in the Al-Maghraqa area, located on the lands of the village of Al-Nazla Al-Sharqiya, north of Tulkarm.
A WAFA correspondent reported that the occupation forces fired tear gas canisters at the farmers and the protesters, causing dozens of suffocation cases and requiring treatment in the field. Drones also flew over the area.
A large crowd of citizens, along with representatives of official and popular institutions, participated in a central event to assist farmers in harvesting olives on lands threatened by settlements. The event was held at the invitation of the local committee of the "Olive 2025" campaign, in cooperation with the Al-Nazla Al-Sharqiya village council, and under the auspices of Tulkarm Governor Abdullah Kamil, head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Mu'ayyad Shaaban, and Minister of Agriculture, Rizq Salimiya.
The targeted area is adjacent to a pastoral settlement outpost established by colonists on village lands. They continually prevent farmers from accessing their lands, assault them, and destroy their trees, with the support and protection of the occupation army.
The head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Mu'ayyad Shaaban, said that this year's olive harvest season is one of the most dangerous, given the escalating attacks by colonists, backed by the occupation army, against Palestinian farmers in various areas.
He added, "Yesterday we were in Kafr Qaddum, and today we are in al-Nazla al-Sharqiya. All areas are subjected to oppression by the occupation and its colonists. Despite this, the Palestinian farmer insists on reaching his land, which is a source of pride and honor for our people, who rise up as one to protect their land and olives."
Shaaban explained that the occupation seeks to prevent Palestinians from being present on their lands, emphasizing that the large popular mobilization that participated in today's olive harvest provided real protection for farmers in the face of the crimes of the occupation forces and colonists.
He pointed out that the participants' success in reaching the "Al-Maghraqa" lands despite the repression sends a strong message to the occupation that this land is purely Palestinian.
He emphasized the Palestinian people's determination and unwavering will to confront the heavily armed occupation soldiers and the herds of armed colonists, known as the "Mountain Youth," who, along with the official occupation establishment, constitute a comprehensive picture of organized terrorism.
Shaaban praised the steadfastness of the farmers and the Palestinian people wherever they are, saying: "This great people is struggling to reach the olive tree, which represents the conscience and patriotism of every Palestinian. We will continue to work with our partners and grassroots activists to protect the farmers and ensure their access to their lands despite all the challenges."
K.T
