Jenin: Israeli forces continued for a second consecutive day to level agricultural land and uproot trees in the town of Arraba, southwest of Jenin, while preventing farmers from accessing their land.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, Arraba Mayor Ahmed al-Arda reported that the bulldozing operations are concentrated in the agricultural lands surrounding the town, particularly along the Arraba-Ya'bad road and the area around the Arraba bus station. Bulldozers are clearing land and uprooting trees on both sides of the roads, reaching depths of 40 to 50 meters in some areas.
The leveling extends from the Ya'bad junction toward Arraba Station and onward to Nablus Street. Around 223 dunams are currently being subjected to leveling and tree uprooting, while their owners are unable to access the land or prevent the operations. Al-Arda highlighted that owners of around 1,500 dunams of Arraba land adjacent to the Mabo Dotan settlement have been barred from accessing their property since 2023. Additionally, 1,400 dunams near the Amik Dotan settlement have been damaged by Israeli measures and settler attacks.
Agriculture, particularly olive cultivation, is a primary source of income in Arraba. This reliance extends to the town's plains, which farmers and sheep herders depend on. Grazing areas have suffered damage from Israeli colonists grazing their livestock and from restricted access to areas like Al-Hafira and Ras al-Shamali, towards the Emek Dotan settlement. Al-Arda noted that attacks by Israeli forces and colonists, including assaults involving tear gas and electric batons, have forced some farmers to abandon their land. He warned of the repercussions as the olive harvest season approaches, which usually begins after mid-October.
Al-Arda revealed that he owns olive groves he has been unable to access since October 7, 2023. Coordination for land access does not guarantee protection for farmers, given the ongoing attacks and bulldozing of agricultural lands. He mentioned that the main road in the Araba plain has been extensively bulldozed, resulting in what he described as "complete destruction," while 54 structures in the town are now threatened with demolition, 13 of which have already been demolished.
Al-Arda warned that Israeli measures extend beyond economic losses, threatening residents' connection to their land and their continued presence there. Despite ongoing attacks and measures aimed at severing their ties to their property, he stressed that the people of Arraba remain committed to their land and agriculture.