Budrus: Israeli forces on Monday uprooted around 400 olive trees after launching land-leveling operations on vast tracts of Palestinian citizens' land in the village of Budrus, west of Ramallah, affecting nearly 35 dunums of agricultural land adjacent to the separation wall.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Abdel Nasser Marar, Head of the Budrus Village Council, reported that Israeli bulldozers entered the western side of the village along the wall, initiating extensive bulldozing of lands planted with decades-old olive trees. The operation was conducted under the protection of occupation forces, who prevented landowners from accessing their property or protesting the actions.
Marar disclosed that the village council had previously received notices from the occupation authorities ordering the leveling of lands along the wall. The implementation began on Monday, targeting 35 dunums planted with olive trees that are a key source of livelihood for the village residents.
He further explained that the bulldozing was executed following a decision by occupation authorities citing 'security purposes.' This rationale is commonly used to seize agricultural land near the wall, depriving farmers of their property and limiting access. The affected plots belong to several village families who rely heavily on the olive harvest.
Marar highlighted that targeting lands near the separation wall is part of a systematic policy to expand buffer zones and diminish Palestinian agricultural areas. This strategy results in significant economic losses for farmers and threatens the livelihood security of affected families.
The village of Budrus has experienced ongoing violations by Israeli occupation forces for years, particularly in areas near the separation wall. These activities, including land-leveling and tree uprooting, are part of a broader policy aimed at altering the landscape and reducing the Palestinian agricultural presence.