Qalqilya: Israeli occupation forces prevented farmers in the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya, from continuing to harvest olives on their lands on Monday.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Qalqilya Agriculture Director Ahmad Eid reported that Israeli forces, accompanied by colonists from the colony of Qedumim, entered the northern area of the village, disrupting the olive harvest and forcing farmers and support teams to vacate the area.
Eid elaborated that the presence of agricultural crews and volunteers was part of a national campaign initiated by the Agriculture Directorate last Thursday, aimed at supporting farmers during the olive harvest season. He highlighted that the colonists, shielded by Israeli soldiers, threatened to halt any efforts to resume the harvest and demanded that the farmers leave the land.
Despite these hindrances, Eid assured that the campaign will persist, covering the towns of Jayyous, Azzun, Kafr Qaddum, and Jinsafut. This initiative is a part of coordinated official and civil endeavors to ease the hardships faced by farmers, particularly in regions near the Apartheid Wall and settlements, where residents encounter continual barriers in accessing their lands due to occupation activities.
Eid affirmed that agricultural teams will persist in offering on-ground support to farmers and supplying necessary resources, notwithstanding the ongoing attacks by occupation forces and colonists on land and individuals.
It is noteworthy that there has been a surge in settler attacks against farmers and olive pickers recently, with 33 attacks recorded, leading to ten injuries, including one serious case in Hebron. During the annual olive harvest season, Palestinian lands frequently experience assaults by colonists and the occupation army.
Farmers consistently endure attacks and violations preventing them from reaching their lands, causing substantial material losses and worsening their daily suffering under the occupation. Since October 7, 2023, colonists have executed 7,154 attacks against citizens and their property, resulting in the deaths of 33 citizens in the West Bank.
Assaults by the occupation and settlers have also led to the uprooting, destruction, and damage of 48,728 trees, including 37,237 olive trees, as reported by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission.