Palestinians ‘Stealing their own olives’

In Beita, Palestinian farmers now pick olives at 5am, barricading roads with stones and keeping constant watch for Israeli settlers so they can flee if attacked. This precaution has become necessary as olive harvesting has turned into a dangerous activity in the occupied territory.

The situation has escalated dramatically, with more than 200 settler attacks recorded against Palestinian farmers since September. These attacks have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty during what should be a time of harvest and community.

The olive harvest is not just an economic activity but a cultural tradition for many Palestinian families. The ongoing violence threatens both livelihoods and cultural heritage, with no immediate resolution in sight.