Farmer Killed, Others Wounded in Settler Attack Near Nablus

A Palestinian farmer was killed and several others were injured during an attack by Israeli settlers on olive harvesters in the northwestern West Bank city of Nablus. Palestinian activist Diyab Hajja stated that attacks on farmers and olive pickers have been ongoing since the start of the season, with a notable increase in the area northwest of Nablus. He explained that a settlement outpost established approximately four months ago in the Al-Masoudiya area has become a launching point for attacks targeting the villages of Burqa, Ramien, Sebastia, and Bazaria, among others.

Hajja reported that a group of settlers, armed with sticks and other weapons, attacked families harvesting olives in the Wadi Al-Jameh area, located between Burqa, Bazaria, and Ramien. He noted the presence of children and women among the farmers. According to his account, settlers attacked after the farmers refused to leave their land, leading to gunfire that resulted in the death of Ali Hassan Al-Bazari and injuries to several others.

Hajja accused Israeli forces and border police, who were present at the scene along with Israeli ambulances, of preventing Palestinian ambulances from reaching the injured. He stated that the wounded remained on the ground bleeding for two hours, attributing Al-Bazari's death to the delayed medical response. Hajja described the direct gunfire as a dangerous new phase in the escalation against farmers.

Local councils have advised residents to harvest olives in groups, but Hajja confirmed the absence of a practical plan to ensure their safety. He pointed out that the targeted lands are classified as Area A, and the attacks affect large agricultural areas crucial for the villagers' livelihood. Hajja expressed concern over the tense situation in northwestern Nablus, citing fear and sadness among residents and anticipating further escalation.