Settler Violence Surges in West Bank During Olive Harvest Season
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Settlers, under Israeli military protection, attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah, on Thursday, forcing them off their land. The Palestinian information center "Ma'ata" documented 1,156 settler violations in the West Bank during October, resulting in three deaths and 77 injuries. These incidents included assaults, thefts, and property destruction. The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported over 5,500 attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem since the start of 2026.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah, on Thursday.
- Israeli forces protected settlers during the attacks and forced Palestinians off their land.
- 1,156 settler violations were documented in the West Bank during October, causing 3 deaths and 77 injuries.
- October violations included assaults, thefts, property destruction, and damage to agricultural crops.
- Over 5,500 attacks by settlers and Israeli forces were recorded in the West Bank and Jerusalem since early 2026.
Settlers, protected by Israeli forces, attacked Palestinian farmers and olive harvesters in the village of Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah, on Thursday. The assaults, which included damage to property and homes, are part of a broader increase in attacks targeting Palestinian agricultural lands and farmers. Local sources reported that Israeli forces and settlers entered the Al-Manateer area, near Sheikh Zeid, east of the village, and pursued farmers and their families as they harvested olives. Israeli forces allegedly used threats of force to compel Palestinians to leave their land and abandon their harvest. In a separate incident, a settler released a herd of livestock into agricultural fields west of Kafr Malik, near residential areas, damaging crops and escalating tensions. The Palestinian information center "Ma'ata" documented 1,156 settler violations in the West Bank during October. These incidents resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians and injuries to 77 others. The violations included 507 assaults and acts of vandalism, 156 thefts, 110 incursions, and 103 settlement activities. Additionally, 44 arsons, 41 instances of property destruction, 24 shootings, and 23 closures were recorded, along with damage to 22 agricultural crops and the demolition of 20 structures. The statistics also noted 14 desecrations of holy sites, 11 equipment installations, and one hit-and-run incident. The center highlighted that these violations harm Palestinian lives, property, and livelihoods, threatening agricultural lands essential for many Palestinians' survival. In September, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported 2,051 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Of these, 647 were attributed to settlers, leading to three Palestinian deaths and direct harm to 88 individuals. The commission also documented the destruction of 14,600 trees, including 9,334 olive trees. Since the beginning of 2026 until the end of September, the commission recorded a total of 5,561 attacks. The Hebron Governorate alone saw 272 attacks in September. These violations encompass attacks on homes and individuals, shootings, property arson, and assaults on agricultural lands, amid growing concerns over their impact on Palestinian safety, livelihoods, and access to their land.
Mentioned
