UN urges Israel to protect Palestinian olive farmers from settler violence in occupied West Bank

The United Nations called on Israel to protect Palestinian farmers and olive growers in the occupied West Bank from settler violence as the annual olive harvest gets underway.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Israeli authorities have an obligation to protect Palestinians from attacks and ensure farmers can safely access their land during the harvest season.

The warning comes after a series of recent incidents in which Palestinian farmers and activists were attacked or prevented from reaching olive groves in parts of the West Bank.

The olive harvest is a major source of income for Palestinian communities. Israel’s Civil Administration estimates that the sector supports more than 100,000 families, representing over 500,000 people.

Violence and access restrictions around olive-growing areas have repeatedly intensified during harvest season, particularly near Israeli settlements and outposts.