Palestinian ministry says 3,522 fruit trees damaged in West Bank in one week of olive harvest

NABLUS — Israeli forces and settlers damaged at least 3,522 fruit trees in the occupied West Bank between 8 and 15 October, causing losses above $1.9 million, the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture said in a weekly report.

The ministry said settlers had stepped up attacks on farmers and crops during the olive harvest. It said at least 2,667 olive trees were damaged, about three-quarters of the trees covered by its survey.

According to the report, the damage included trees being cut down, uprooted or burned. It also listed theft and confiscation of olives and the destruction of agricultural facilities and irrigation networks. The ministry said settlers stole 8,612 kilograms of olives, about 8.6 tons.

Farmers were also prevented from reaching their land, the ministry said. That threatens their ability to harvest at a time when thousands of Palestinian families rely on the season for income.

Hebron Governorate recorded the largest losses, estimated at about $455,000, according to the ministry. Jenin followed with about $452,000. The remaining losses were spread across other areas.

Incidents on Saturday

Local and medical sources gave further accounts on Saturday, as reported by Arab News. These accounts have not been independently verified.

Several Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation in the village of Salem, east of Nablus, after Israeli forces fired canisters at farmers and stopped them reaching their land. Medical sources said ambulance crews treated several people for breathing difficulties.

East of Burin, south of Nablus, settlers reportedly assaulted olive harvesters, stole crops and equipment, and fired live ammunition.

In Beit Furik, east of Nablus, settlers cut down and destroyed dozens of olive trees in the Al-Sahl area, according to the same reports. Israeli forces raided the eastern part of the town at the same time, assaulted harvesters and detained several families, the reports said.

Beit Furik Mayor Yousef Hannani said several residents suffered fractures and bruises after being chased by Israeli forces. A woman lost consciousness, according to the reports, and the injured were taken to the town's medical center.

Settlers also attacked harvesters in Osarin, Lubban Al-Sharqiya and Asira Al-Qibliya, south of Nablus, and forced them off their land, according to the reports. Sources said that in the Wadi Abwein area, settlers attacked harvesters for a third consecutive day, stole olives and tools, and made farmers leave.

In Jaba', south of Jenin, Israeli forces detained a Palestinian man as he picked olives near a newly established settlement outpost between Jaba' and Sanur, local sources said. Settlers began earthworks several days ago at the site of the former Sanur military camp, which the Israeli army left in 2005, according to the sources.

The reports available did not include a response from Israeli authorities or settler representatives to these accounts.

Background

The ministry's report for 1 to 8 October recorded direct losses of about $3,678,000 and damage to 3,192 olive trees in seven governorates, according to The New Arab. Jenin was the most affected area that week.

Olive harvesting is a main source of income and employment in many Palestinian villages, the report said. It supports tens of thousands of families in whole or in part. Recent settler activity has raised concern among residents about the safety of their land and the harvest, according to Arab News.