United Nations: Attacks on the olive harvest season aim to separate the Palestinians from their land

This came during a press conference held in Ramallah, where Mr. Songai confirmed that settler violence has escalated in an unprecedented manner in the past three years. “With the approval and support, and in many cases with the participation, of the Israeli forces, and always without accountability or accountability.”

He stressed that the new Israeli barriers and iron gates caused the separation of Palestinian farmers from their lands, which had disastrous repercussions. In 2023, 96,000 dunums of land planted with olive trees were left unharvested, resulting in losses exceeding $10 million for Palestinian farmers. The same pattern continued in the 2024 season.

Mr. Songai said that between 80 and 100 thousand Palestinian families depend on the olive harvest season as a primary source of livelihood, and added: “It is no exaggeration to say that the olive season represents the economic backbone of Palestinian rural communities.”

Although tensions, violence and restrictions are not new in the context of the olive season, he referred to statements by Israeli government officials about the intention to completely annex the West Bank and forcibly displace the Palestinians.

And he said: “We must remember that no matter how long the occupation lasts, it should not be considered a natural matter, as Israel is legally obligated to end the occupation and reverse the annexation of the West Bank. Israel’s denial of the rights of Palestinians to life, livelihood, safety, security, dignity, and self-determination is illegal and unacceptable.”

The head of the Human Rights Office said that the West Bank is witnessing the repercussions of impunity “Ignoring human life” In Gaza, warning that “The consequences will be felt throughout the world.” Unless action is taken to ensure accountability and a fair path to peace.

He said that the international community must exert maximum pressure to protect civilians, stop and reverse the accelerating policies of annexation, “And ensure accountability – under international law – for decades of violations of Palestinian rights.”

Mr. Songai stressed that the beginning is in advocacy efforts with the Israeli authorities to ensure the full ability of Palestinians to access their lands, calling for a coordinated international effort to protect the olive season and ensure the safety of Palestinian farmers and workers.