Settlers Attack Palestinian Farmers During Olive Harvest; IDF Investigates

Palestinian media reported on Saturday that several Palestinians were injured in attacks by settlers in the West Bank during the olive harvest season. In one incident in the village of Aserin, south of Nablus, a man in his fifties was severely beaten with clubs, according to reports. Video footage showed the man lying on the ground with significant bleeding on his body and face.

The Israeli military confirmed an attack by Israelis in Aserin, stating that its forces were called to the scene. Upon arrival, soldiers found damage and searched for the assailants, who had fled before their arrival. Police and forensic investigators from Ariel, protected by the IDF, later arrived to collect evidence and take statements as part of an ongoing investigation.

Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that settlers, sometimes under IDF protection, escalated attacks on farmers and their property in several West Bank areas during the olive harvest. Farmers were reportedly attacked while harvesting in Aserin, Burin, and Beita. In addition to the man in Aserin, a 47-year-old man was injured in Beita, allegedly by Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian sources.

In Al-Mughayyir, olive trees and crops were damaged, and two young men were arrested during harvesting in Aqrabah. Palestinian reports also indicated that the IDF stopped residents attempting to reach their land in the Al-Arameh area near Beita. Later, settlers were reported to have set fire to Palestinian-owned land in Beit Imrin and Jaba, northwest of Nablus.

These attacks occur amid a series of violent incidents attributed to "hilltop youth," which are increasing pressure on the IDF and raising concerns about escalation in the West Bank. International pressure on Israel is also mounting, with warnings of further sanctions.