Settler Attacks Surge in West Bank, Targeting Olive Harvest

Settler violence in the West Bank has escalated, with over 5,561 attacks reported since the beginning of 2026 up to the end of September. These incidents have increasingly targeted Palestinian farmers and the vital olive harvest season. On Monday, attacks occurred across several West Bank governorates, affecting Palestinians, their vehicles, and agricultural lands. In Jenin, three Palestinians were injured by settlers near the town of Mariha, with the Palestinian Red Crescent providing field treatment. Settlers also hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles on a road between the towns of Jaba' and 'Ajja, causing material damage. In Ramallah, settlers raided agricultural lands in Umm Safa, stealing olives and damaging trees. Near Nablus, settlers entered agricultural areas in Beita, stealing olives. In the southern West Bank, settlers intimidated families and shepherds in the Masafer Yatta area near Hebron. These attacks are part of a broader pattern including crop theft, tree uprooting, and blocking farmers' access to their land. Data from the Wall and Settlements Resistance Commission indicates that Israeli forces and settlers carried out 2,051 attacks in September alone, resulting in three Palestinian deaths and 88 injuries, alongside the destruction of over 14,600 trees, including 9,334 olive trees. The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture reported that by the end of September, 98,293 olive trees were damaged in the West Bank, with direct losses to the olive crop exceeding $66.5 million. Cumulative losses for the olive crop since 2023 are estimated at around $316.9 million.