Olive Harvest Blocked in Deir Abu Mashal Amid Israeli Restrictions
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Israeli forces have blocked farmers in Deir Abu Mashal from accessing their lands for the olive harvest, according to Jamil Moussa, the village council head. Approximately 4,500 dunams of olive trees, valued at 10 million shekels, are at risk, threatening the primary income for local families. Residents have only been able to harvest 10% of the crop so far, with reports of attacks on those attempting to reach their fields. The village is surrounded by settlements, exacerbating access difficulties.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli army blocked Deir Abu Mashal farmers from accessing lands for olive harvest.
- Olive harvest is vital for Deir Abu Mashal, with 4,500 dunams valued at 10 million shekels.
- Only 10% of the olive crop has been harvested due to access restrictions.
- Residents and solidarity activists reported attacks including tear gas and rubber bullets.
- Deir Abu Mashal is surrounded by settlements, complicating access to agricultural lands.
Jamil Moussa, head of the village council in Deir Abu Mashal, stated that the Israeli army prevented farmers from accessing their lands in the western part of the village at the start of the olive harvest season. He reported the establishment of checkpoints and the closure of southern entrances, which hindered movement. Moussa explained that residents gathered near a settlement outpost, awaiting solidarity activists to help them reach their lands and harvest the olives.
Moussa emphasized that the olive season is a primary source of income for Deir Abu Mashal's residents, with approximately 4,500 dunams of olive trees. He estimated the season's value at around 10 million shekels, crucial for families' basic needs, including education, marriage preparations, housing, and debt repayment. He warned that preventing access threatens their annual income.
While the season typically begins on the 10th of the month, residents have only managed to harvest about 10% of the crop. Moussa noted that this year's situation is worse than previous years, which saw attacks and difficulties but not outright prevention of access. He also described attacks on citizens and solidarity activists the previous day, involving tear gas, rubber bullets, and beatings, with one family requiring hospitalization. Moussa accused the Israeli army of supporting settlers and failing to prevent attacks on residents.
Moussa described Deir Abu Mashal as being surrounded by settlement outposts on three sides. He stated that accessing the lands this year represents a new challenge, especially in open areas, due to settlers and threats. He acknowledged the difficulty of providing protection across the vast, exposed terrain but affirmed residents' attempts to reach their lands despite the risks. Moussa reiterated that the continued prevention of access not only jeopardizes the olive harvest but also impacts the livelihoods of families dependent on it throughout the year.
