Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian communities in the West Bank during the annual olive harvest, setting fire to olive trees and injuring two people, including a journalist. The attacks occurred in multiple towns across the occupied territory, with settlers also damaging property by setting cars ablaze. The violence disrupted the harvest, a critical economic activity for local farmers.
The incidents took place on Friday, with reports indicating that settlers used live ammunition against olive pickers, according to Al Jazeera. The attacks have raised concerns over the impact on agricultural livelihoods and the safety of workers. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Minister called on Israel to halt the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, during a diplomatic engagement with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The olive harvest is a vital seasonal event for Palestinian farmers, providing both income and sustenance. The attacks have intensified tensions in the region, with reports of increased violence during the harvest season. The Israeli military has not issued a formal statement on the incidents, but local activists have documented the damage and called for an end to the targeted attacks. The situation reflects ongoing challenges in the occupied territories, where land and resource control remain central to the conflict.
