Gaza Herald – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) reported that settler violence impacting the olive harvest in the West Bank has already surpassed figures from the previous year. Nearly 200 attacks linked to the harvest season have resulted in casualties or property damage so far this year, according to a statement released by the agency.
This volume of violence exceeds the 185 incidents documented during the entirety of the 2025 season. The current wave of aggression has killed one Palestinian and injured more than 120 others, while damaging over 2,500 trees or saplings. Approximately 80 percent of these violent acts occurred within the past two weeks.
The intensity of the recent violence has prompted many communities to begin picking olives earlier than usual to mitigate risks. Ocha noted that humanitarian partners are supplying pickers with necessary equipment and agricultural materials. These organizations are also tracking restrictions enforced by Israeli authorities regarding access to groves near settlements and behind the Barrier.
The Barrier spans 712 kilometres, and aid groups are providing legal support to those affected by access limitations. The UN body emphasized that monitoring these restrictions is critical as farmers attempt to secure their livelihoods during the sensitive harvesting period amidst ongoing security threats.
Regarding Gaza, humanitarian partners highlighted severe challenges limiting cultivation and harvesting operations. The destruction of olive groves and restricted access to farmland, particularly beyond the Yellow Line, continue to impede agricultural activities. Restrictions on entering supplies such as engine oil and spare parts further complicate the situation.
These logistical barriers are severely affecting the operation of the few remaining olive presses in the territory. The combination of physical destruction and administrative constraints creates a difficult environment for maintaining production capabilities. Aid workers stress that these factors collectively undermine the capacity to process and distribute olive products effectively.
The report underscores the dual pressures facing Palestinian farmers across both regions. In the West Bank, direct violence drives early harvesting and requires enhanced security measures. In Gaza, structural impediments and resource shortages hinder basic agricultural processes. Both scenarios reflect significant disruptions to traditional seasonal practices.
Ocha’s assessment indicates that the scale of interference in the olive sector represents a substantial escalation compared to historical data. The disparity between current attack numbers and last year’s total suggests a worsening trend in security conditions for agricultural workers. Humanitarian agencies remain focused on mitigating immediate harms while advocating for improved access conditions.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
