Palestinian farmers rush harvest as settler attacks increase

Under the intense summer heat in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian farmer Hamad Jazi and his relatives work quickly to harvest their wheat before it is damaged or destroyed.

Under the intense summer heat in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian farmer Hamad Jazi and his relatives work quickly to harvest their wheat before it is damaged or destroyed. For families like his, the annual harvest has become less about celebration and more about protecting crops from growing violence in the area.

Jazi’s village of As-Sawiyah lies in the central West Bank and is surrounded by hills where Israeli settlements overlook Palestinian farmland below. In recent days, fires have broken out near agricultural land, and local residents blame settlers for deliberately targeting crops.

According to Jazi, nearby fields have already been set ablaze twice within a matter of days. Fearing that his own harvest could be destroyed, he and his family have been racing against time to gather their wheat before another incident occurs.

He recalls a very different reality years ago when harvest season was one of the most joyful times of the year. Families would come together to celebrate successful crops and strong yields. Today, many farmers feel they must finish their work as quickly as possible and leave before trouble arises.

The occupied West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians and more than half a million Israeli settlers living in settlements that are considered illegal under international law. Israel has maintained control of the territory since 1967, and tensions between Palestinian communities and settlers have remained a major source of conflict.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about violence carried out by some settlers against Palestinian residents. Incidents reported in recent years include attacks on homes, destruction of farmland, arson and assaults on civilians. In some cases, fatalities have also been recorded.

According to figures from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 2026 has been one of the most violent years in the West Bank in terms of attacks linked to settlers. The agency reports an average of six such incidents every day.

Palestinian officials say the impact on agriculture has been severe. Mahmud Fatafta from the Palestinian Authority’s agriculture ministry stated that around 8,000 sheep and goats were either stolen or killed this year. He also said that approximately 41,000 olive trees were damaged by settlers or military activities.

Olive trees hold deep economic and cultural importance for Palestinians. For many families, olive farming is a key source of income and a symbol of their connection to the land. Damage to these trees often has long-term consequences because it can take years for new trees to mature and produce fruit.

Jazi says farmers now approach harvest season with fear rather than excitement. Instead of openly working their land, many feel forced to act cautiously and complete their tasks as quickly as possible. He also complained about restrictions that require coordination with Israeli authorities before entering certain agricultural areas.

Village council head Hikmat Abu Ras said local communities have faced frequent attacks since the Gaza war began in October 2023. He believes the pressure is intended to discourage Palestinians from remaining on their land.

Abu Ras also pointed to increasing movement restrictions that have made daily life more difficult. Checkpoints, gates and road closures often delay travel between villages and nearby towns, making it harder for farmers to access their fields.

As harvest season continues, many families across the West Bank remain focused on gathering what they can from their land while uncertainty and security concerns continue to shape everyday life.