Masked Settlers Attack Palestinian Villages Near Nablus; IDF Blocks Olive Harvest

Masked Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian villages of Beita and Usarin, near Nablus, according to Palestinian reports. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinian olive harvesting in the area, with one soldier reportedly telling farmers they could not harvest "until all the anarchists are gone from here." This action contradicts established harvesting protocols, which allow for Israeli accompaniment and do not consider it grounds for closing the area or provocation.

In Usarin, two residents were injured and taken to Al-Arabi Hospital in moderate condition following the settler attack. The violence began in the morning with masked individuals seen near Beita. Subsequently, the military blocked Palestinian harvesting activities in Jabal Qams, an area near Beita, after settlers arrived. The military detained harvesters, delaying their work.

The olive harvest incident occurred over a kilometer inside Area B, where the Palestinian Authority holds civilian responsibility. This marks the fourth instance over the weekend where Israeli forces have prevented harvesting in areas under PA civilian jurisdiction. The area between Usarin and Beita has seen violent settler attacks on olive groves in previous years. The nearby outpost of "Mevaser HaShalom," established a year ago and repeatedly evacuated, has re-established itself.

Further documentation from the region showed settlers threatening harvesters in Beit Amrin, where a 50-year-old man was injured and evacuated to a hospital. Settlers also set fire to agricultural land in that area. These incidents are part of a recent wave of settler violence across the West Bank coinciding with the start of the olive harvest season, following an increase in reported olive theft from Palestinian orchards by settlers.