UN experts urge Israel to protect West Bank olive farmers

GENEVA — UN rights experts on Monday called on Israel to protect Palestinian farmers in the West Bank as settler attacks increase during the annual olive harvest, according to Arab News.

"Palestinian farmers must be protected and able to access their land safely. Yet, year after year, the violence, destruction and restrictions intensify," the experts said in a statement.

The experts said the harvest should be a time when farmers can work their land in safety and dignity. They described the current season as one of fear, loss, violence and destruction.

The experts urged Israel to ensure that its forces protect Palestinian farmers from settler attacks. They also called on Israel to stop interfering with farmers' access to land. The experts further urged the international community to "exercise maximum pressure to protect Palestinian civilians."

According to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, 178 settler attacks linked to the 2025 olive harvest were recorded in the West Bank. The attacks affected 88 Palestinian communities. OCHA also said more than 6,000 trees and saplings were "vandalized." That is nearly double the number recorded in 2024 and the highest figure in six years, the agency said.

The experts warned about the long-term effects of the damage. "Olive trees take years to mature and can sustain families for generations," they said. They added that destroying trees affects more than one harvest. It also affects local food systems, cultural practices and the right to food of Palestinian communities.

The statement was signed by seven experts. They include Sofia Monsalve Suarez, special rapporteur on the right to food, and Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Arab News reported that the special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council. They do not speak for the United Nations itself.

The report did not say whether Israel has responded to the statement. It also did not give a figure for Palestinian casualties or damage to property beyond the OCHA data on trees.

Background

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, according to Arab News. The territory is home to about 500,000 Israelis and three million Palestinians, the outlet said.

Arab News reported that violence is rising in the West Bank ahead of Israel's parliamentary elections on October 27. The vote falls during the Palestinian olive harvest, which the outlet said has been repeatedly disrupted by Israeli settlers. It said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to strengthen his right-wing base, which includes pro-settlement voters. The report did not give a source for this political claim.