Settlers Accused of Stealing Olive Harvest Amid Tree Destruction in Turmus Ayya
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
An activist reported that between 10,000 and 12,000 olive trees were cut down in Turmus Ayya, with settlers accused of stealing crops from vulnerable lands. Farmers attempting to access their property faced harassment and expulsion, with Israeli forces declaring areas closed military zones. Foreign and Israeli solidarity activists were also reportedly denied access. These actions are seen as part of ongoing efforts to pressure Palestinian communities and hinder their agricultural activities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 10,000 to 12,000 olive trees were cut down in Turmus Ayya before the harvest season.
- Settlers are accused of seizing olive crops and taking control of Palestinian agricultural lands.
- Farmers attempting to access their land were reportedly harassed and expelled by Israeli forces.
- Foreign and Israeli solidarity activists were denied access to support farmers in the area.
- Agricultural zones are allegedly being declared closed military areas to prevent access.
- An incident involved a settler named Shabak Malik provoking farmers in Turmus Ayya.
An activist, Ayed Ghafri, reported that the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya is facing severe challenges during the current olive harvest season. He stated that between 10,000 and 12,000 olive trees were cut down before the season began, and other agricultural lands have become vulnerable to settler groups who are allegedly seizing crops. Ghafri described instances where farmers attempting to access their lands between residential areas were harassed and expelled, even in the presence of Israeli police and military forces, according to his account.
Ghafri explained that these actions are part of ongoing attacks targeting farmers and their land, arguing that preventing landowners from reaching their property facilitates settlers' appropriation of olive harvests and their continued control over farmlands. He also noted that foreign and Israeli solidarity activists attempting to support farmers were denied access to the area. Ghafri believes that declaring agricultural zones as closed military areas is a tactic used to prevent farmers, solidarity activists, and journalists from reaching the land.
He further highlighted that the targeting extends beyond Palestinian farmers to include solidarity activists, campaigners, and journalists who oppose settlements, citing recent arrests of activists and supporters. Ghafri expressed concern that these military measures are being used to pressure Palestinian villages and towns, hindering their olive-picking activities and efforts to protect their land. He specifically mentioned an incident in Turmus Ayya where a settler, identified as Shabak Malik, allegedly provoked farmers before Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone, forcing people to leave and blocking others.
Similar developments were reported in the village of Dier Jarir, where border police and military forces prevented citizens from reaching an area designated for olive picking. Ghafri, who was present, stated that an officer threatened to block access before being asked for official documentation declaring the area closed, which was only provided after an hour. Ghafri concluded that these events underscore the significant difficulties Palestinian farmers face this season due to access restrictions, which jeopardize their olive crops and livelihoods.
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