Salfit: Attacks by Israeli colonists against Palestinian farmers continued for the third day in a row in the town of Deir Istiya, in the central West Bank governorate of Salfit.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, eyewitnesses reported that groups of colonists threw rotten eggs at farmers as they were harvesting olives on the outskirts of the village, while an Israeli drone flew overhead. The targeted area lies close to the Revava settlement and several illegal outposts.
In addition to the attacks, Israeli forces this morning prevented villagers from accessing their farmland west of the town. The main entrance to the town has also been shut down with a metal gate by the occupation authorities since Friday evening, further restricting movement.
Incidents of violence have been escalating, with colonists attacking a farmer and his family yesterday, along with another family in a separate incident. An elderly man and his relatives were also assaulted near the illegal Yakir settlement, which is illegally built by Israeli authorities near the town.
The attacks have included theft of harvested olives and harassment of farmers. Israeli soldiers have also detained farmers for several hours during these incidents. Olive trees in the area have been frequent targets, with many instances of trees being cut down or damaged in recent years.
Every year during the olive harvest season, which typically runs from October to November, Palestinian farmers face intensified attacks by army-backed Israeli colonists across the occupied West Bank. These assaults often involve physical violence, theft of crops, destruction of olive trees, and denial of access to farmland, especially near illegal settlements.
Human rights groups highlight that such attacks are rarely investigated or prosecuted by Israeli authorities, contributing to an atmosphere of impunity. Olive farming holds significant cultural and economic importance for Palestinians, and these disruptions often lead to substantial financial loss and emotional distress for families dependent on their harvests.