Palestinian Farmers Union- PFU Calls for immediate international protection for Farmers During the Olive Harvest Season
29.08.2024
As the olive harvest season in Palestine approaches, there is renewed concern over the escalating attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinian farmers. These attacks are not merely assaults on individuals; they are attacks on the economic, cultural, and social lifeline of the Palestinian people. The olive harvest, which is an integral part of Palestinian heritage and the main source of income for more than 100,000 farmer families, is now under threat due to the increasing violence from settlers, perpetrated under the protection and support of Israeli forces.
In the last year's harvest, and due to settlers’ violence against farmers, 40% of Palestinian farmers were unable to access their land during the olive season, leading to losses totaling up to $25 million.
The tragic killing of Bilal Saleh from al Sawyeh town, who was murdered by settlers in his olive farm while harvesting his olives, underscores the severity of these attacks.
Additionally, we have witnessed a disturbing increase in violence against olive farmers, ranging from the burning and destruction of olive trees to physical assaults on farmers and their families. These attacks are not just attempts to destroy the livelihoods of Palestinians but also deliberate efforts to break their will to remain on their land.
PFU Demands:
In light of these developments, we urgently call upon the international community, governments, and human rights organizations to take the following actions:
- Immediate International Protection: We demand the deployment of international teams to protect Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season. The presence of international observers can help deter attacks and provide safety for farmers facing settler violence
- Accountability for Perpetrators: The international community must pressure the Israeli government to hold settlers and their leaders accountable for crimes committed against Palestinian farmers. Impunity only escalates violence and encourages further violations.
- Ban on Settlement Products: We call for an international ban on the entry of settlement products into global markets. These products are cultivated on stolen land and produced through illegal means, requiring a firm stand from the international community.
- Protection of Palestinian Agricultural Heritage: The olive tree is not just an economic source; it is a symbol of the Palestinian people’s resilience. We urge the international community to work to protect this heritage from destruction and distortion.
- Humanitarian and Legal Support for Farmers: We call on international organizations to provide legal and humanitarian support to farmers who are attacked, ensuring their right to safe access to their land.
We at the Palestinian Farmers’ Union affirm that these demands are not just basic rights of Palestinian farmers but are part of the international community’s responsibility to protect human rights and confront injustice. We believe that the voice of truth will remain stronger than any attempt to silence or suppress our people’s will to remain rooted in this land.
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