Originally published at The Crux
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Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have been attacking Palestinians in multiple villages, including the Christian town of Taybeh.
Israel has imposed new rules on the olive harvest this year, prohibiting Palestinians from working in what’s known as Area C, which is under Israeli security control and encompasses the majority of the territory’s agricultural land.
Taybeh has two-thirds of its land is in Area C, with the rest in Area B.
“During this year’s olive harvest, many families have faced serious difficulties accessing their land,” said Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Catholic parish priest, in an open letter.
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Fawadleh says olives have been stolen and trees damaged in some areas of the town, reducing a harvest essential to the community’s livelihood.
“For generations, olive trees have provided not only income, but also a deep connection to our history, our heritage, and the land on which our families have lived for centuries,” he writes, adding that the olive harvest is both an economic necessity and “an important expression of our identity and perseverance.”
“This year, the losses have been particularly painful. Many families will produce far less olive oil than
