West Bank Olive Harvest Faces Highest Settler Violence in Five Years

The 2025 olive harvest season in the West Bank has experienced the highest level of settler violence in recent years, with 126 attacks reported across 70 Palestinian towns and villages. These assaults have included physical violence against farmers, destruction of over 4,000 olive trees and saplings, and restrictions on Palestinian access to their groves, severely impacting both livelihoods and cultural heritage. The United Nations and Palestinian agencies have documented numerous incidents, including settlers firing on farmers and vandalizing vehicles, amid a backdrop of escalating tensions following the Gaza war. The violence not only threatens the safety of Palestinian farmers but also represents a broader effort to sever Palestinians’ connection to their land, which many see as a form of annexation by stealth. International bodies, including the UN and the International Court of Justice, have condemned the occupation and settler actions, highlighting the urgent need for protection and resolution. The situation underscores the critical role of the olive harvest in Palestinian identity and economic stability amidst ongoing conflict.