TULKARM, October 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The preparatory committee for the 2026 Olive Campaign in Tulkarm Governorate organized a central olive-picking event in support of farmers in the town of Anabta, in cooperation with Anabta Municipality and under the patronage of Tulkarm Governor Abdullah Kmeil and Minister of Agriculture Rizq Salmiya.

The event was funded by the Union of Palestinian Farmers' Associations and attended by representatives of the security establishment, official institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector, as part of efforts to support farmers during the olive harvest season.

Kmeil stressed the importance of standing with Palestinian farmers, who face difficult conditions resulting from Israeli occupation forces' aggression and attacks by colonists, including the theft of olive crops, destruction of property, and assaults on farmers.

He added that the solidarity initiative reflects continued support for farmers and affirms the Palestinian people's commitment to standing alongside farmers and agricultural workers. He emphasized that the event sends a clear message that they are not alone.

Kmeil explained that the greatest challenges are concentrated in areas surrounded by colonies and the racist annexation and expansion wall, where farmers and olive pickers face attacks under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, alongside the theft of olive crops, which further exacerbates farmers’ suffering and threatens their livelihoods.

For his part, Director General of the Tulkarm Agriculture Directorate Ashraf Anabtawi said the event forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture's program and field interventions, implemented in cooperation with partner organizations to continue supporting farmers and provide the necessary assistance to farmers and olive pickers.

He noted that efforts to support farmers across various locations are ongoing through volunteer campaigns, field initiatives, and agricultural interventions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by continued colonist attacks, protecting agricultural land, and safeguarding rural families' sources of income.

T.R.