Israeli Court Asked to Remove Barriers Blocking Palestinian Farmers

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has filed a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court on behalf of six Palestinian farmers from Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. The petition demands the removal of barriers that have prevented farmers from accessing their agricultural lands since October 2023, especially with the start of the olive harvest season. The farmers have faced military restrictions and settler violence for three years.

According to the petition, agricultural roads leading to the village's lands have been blocked with earth berms and stones. Israeli soldiers have reportedly denied farmers access based on verbal instructions, without presenting official military orders justifying the restrictions. The petition also documents instances of settler attacks and threats against farmers, including expulsion from their lands and the introduction of livestock into fields, causing damage to crops. In some cases, Israeli soldiers allegedly intervened to forcibly remove and detain landowners instead of protecting them from settlers.

Farmers have also been prevented from crossing the 'Etzion checkpoint to reach their lands, citing exclusion from a closed list without explanation of the criteria or responsible authority. ACRI stated that it has repeatedly approached Israeli authorities over the past year seeking a resolution for the farmers' access issues, but without success.

The prolonged denial of access has led to significant crop and income losses, neglect of olive groves and vineyards, and damage to agricultural areas. ACRI warns that continued exclusion threatens farmers' land rights and increases the risk of land confiscation. This situation exacerbates the already deteriorating conditions for Palestinian agriculture in the West Bank, marked by movement restrictions and escalating settler violence since October 2023.

ACRI urged the Supreme Court to compel Israeli authorities to remove the barriers, ensure free access for farmers, and issue clear directives preventing obstruction without legal basis. They also requested permission for residents to cross the 'Etzion checkpoint and an urgent hearing on the petition during the olive harvest season. Attorney Reut Shachar of ACRI stated that the state and military are failing to protect Palestinian residents and their livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable to settler violence while soldiers actively prevent their access to land. She emphasized the immediate need to remove the barriers and ensure farmers' safe return to lands they have cultivated for generations.