NABLUS, October 16, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Sunday attacked Palestinian olive pickers to the West of Nablus with stones, according to a local official.
Ghassan Daghlas, in charge of the settlement file in the northern West Bank, told WAFA settlers from a nearby settlement outpost, built illegally on Palestinian-owned land to the West of Nablus, hurled stones at Palestinian olive pickers. No injuries were reported.
Palestinian farmers are often subjected to harassment and attacks by Israeli settlers during the harvest season, including the destruction, damage, and burning of olive trees.
According to OCHA report published in November, 2015, “According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, the olive oil industry makes up 25 per cent of oPt’s agricultural income,[1] and contributes to the livelihoods of approximately 100,000 families.[2] The overall yield this season is projected at 18,000 MT (metric tons) of oil, down 25 per cent from last year (24,000 MT) and nearly the same as in 2013 (17,600 MT).[3]
It said that, “In approximately 90 Palestinian communities that own land within or in the vicinity of 56 Israeli settlements and settlement outposts, farmers can only access their land by prior coordination with the Israeli authorities. This is generally only for a ed number of days during the harvest and ploughing seasons.”
“Olive-based livelihoods in multiple West Bank areas are also undermined by the uprooting and vandalizing of olive trees by Israeli settlers. Between January and September 2015, approximately 11,000 trees and saplings were affected, the largest figure since 2011 when OCHA began recording this indicator.”
OCHA noted that Every year during and prior to the harvesting season, there are numerous reports of Palestinian groves being harvested by Israeli settlers, particularly in areas where Palestinian access is restricted.
“The prevalence of Israeli settler violence and vandalism against olive trees is closely linked to the lack of adequate law enforcement by the Israeli authorities.”
OCHA maintained that, “Under international law, Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to protect Palestinian civilians and their property. It must ensure that Palestinians farmers have safe and unimpeded access to their agricultural land throughout the year and ensure accountability for those responsible for attacks.”
T.R.
