Protecting the Olive Season Protects the Local Economy and Stabilizes the Palestinian Presence in the Face of Displacement Plans

The Agricultural Sector of The Palestinian NGOs Network

Protecting the Olive Season Protects the Local Economy and Stabilizes the Palestinian Presence in the Face of Displacement Plans

Ramallah -9-10-2024 

The olive harvest season is one of the significant symbols associated with the life of the Palestinian people on their land. It represents one of the pillars of the national economy, historically tied to being a source of collective identity, reflecting the deep-rooted connection of the Palestinian people to their homeland over the years. However, like every year, the season is facing serious threats and challenges due to the continued attacks by settlers. According to agricultural organizations, these attacks have sharply increased since October 7, 2023, during the aggressive war of extermination against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

The main attacks by settlers on farmers include preventing them by force and threats from harvesting, expelling them from their fields, and stealing the crops. In some cases, settlers physically assault the farmers, all under the protection of the Israeli military. A blockade is often imposed on the lands, and farmers are required to obtain permits from what is called the "Civil Administration" under the pretext of declaring the area a closed military zone. Strict measures are enforced in these areas, and settlers are given free rein to cut down, break, uproot, and destroy agricultural fields under the direct and official protection of the occupation government.

The agricultural sector of the Palestinian NGOs Network views these actions with great concern, particularly the threats of turning the olive season into a bloody one, as discussed on settler social media pages. These plans aim to sabotage the season in various ways. Amid the destruction of agricultural life in Gaza and attempts to control the eastern regions of the strip, as well as efforts to destroy food security as part of a systematic plan to impoverish Palestinians, PNGO calls for the following:

Protection of the olive harvest by all available means and the implementation of emergency plans at the official and community levels to expand popular interventions to prevent settler attacks and confront the imminent dangers to the season. Protecting the olive harvest is equivalent to protecting the national economy. For example, more than 80,000 dunams of olive groves are inaccessible to farmers, resulting in a loss of over 15% of this year’s production. In addition, lands adjacent to settlements and those behind the separation wall cause even more significant losses for farmers.

Reviving the "Helping" system (a traditional system of community assistance) and collectively heading to threatened areas, villages, and towns near the settlements. In recent days, settlers have attacked dozens of villages and towns, injuring many farmers, particularly in villages northwest of Jerusalem, in Ramallah, in the eastern villages of Bethlehem, and central West Bank areas around Nablus and Salfit, including Deir Sharaf, Madama, Haris, Deir Istiya, Burin, as well as the Jordan Valley, Tulkarem, Qalqilya, and Jenin. Settlers prevented farmers from accessing their fields to harvest olives.

Official and community support for farmers by providing them with the means to remain steadfast, in defense of Palestinian presence and against forced displacement plans. The agricultural sector calls for a comprehensive plan to encourage a return to the land, especially given the large number of workers who have been unable to enter Israel for over a year. Strengthening the connection between Palestinians and their land is critical. Statistics show that since 2012, over 278,000 olive trees have been damaged or cut down due to settler attacks, which necessitates encouraging agriculture and fostering a culture of returning to the land.

Adopting a clear economic plan to address the challenges related to olive oil exports and local sales. It is essential to provide a safety network for farmers in these difficult economic conditions caused by occupation policies. This is seen as a national guarantee to protect olive trees and Palestinian farmers. It is estimated that this year’s olive oil production will exceed 20,000 tons, requiring fair marketing standards, price control, and quality assurance by relevant authorities.

In conclusion, this year's olive harvest season presents a significant challenge for Palestinian farmers, requiring concerted official and popular efforts to protect it.