Settler attacks disrupt Palestinian olive harvest in West Bank

Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians during the annual olive harvest in several occupied West Bank communities, burning trees and vehicles and throwing stones. The Palestinian Red Crescent said six people were injured in two attacks around Abu Falah. Reuters also reported that Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was beaten and treated in hospital after being clearly identified as a journalist.

Reuters witnesses described about 80 settlers descending on an olive grove near Abu Falah. The Israeli military said troops and border police fired warning shots after arriving and condemned violence against civilians. In a separate attack near Turmus Ayya, vehicles were burned and farmers were assaulted. Israel’s police and army did not immediately provide a full account addressing every incident reported by local officials.

The violence comes during a harvest that is both an important source of Palestinian income and a central cultural tradition. Israeli monitoring group Yesh Din recorded at least 170 settler attacks since 27 September, according to Reuters. New restrictions have also limited Palestinian access to agricultural land in Area C. The unresolved questions are whether the attacks will be investigated, whether suspects will be held accountable and whether farmers can reach their groves safely for the remainder of the season.