Bethlehem: Israeli forces and colonists attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in the town of al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, on Tuesday. Talha Da’dou’ reported to WAFA correspondent that as he and his family were heading to their land in the Ein al-Qassis area, west of the town, to harvest olives, they were attacked by Israeli soldiers and colonists.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the colonists assaulted Da’dou’ with rifle butts and their fists, detained his wife and daughter, and subsequently forced them at gunpoint to leave their land. The assault continued as Israeli soldiers and colonists pursued and harassed them, threatening them with arrest if they returned to their property.
The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reports that the Israeli army and settlers have carried out 259 attacks against Palestinian olive harvesters since the start of the season in early October. This includes 63 cases of restricting movement and intimidation of olive pickers and 44 cases of physical assaults on farmers.
During the annual olive harvest season, Palestinian lands frequently experience repeated attacks by colonists and the Israeli army. These attacks prevent farmers from accessing their lands, leading to significant financial losses and exacerbating their daily challenges under occupation.
This season alone, olive groves have faced 125 attacks, which include 46 incidents of cutting, breaking, and bulldozing olive trees, resulting in the destruction of 1,070 olive trees. The attacks have been on the rise over the past few years, with 136 recorded in 2022, escalating to 333 in 2023, reaching 407 in 2024, and 259 so far this season, highlighting the increasing targeting of Palestinian farmers.
