Violence by Israeli security forces and settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has intensified, coinciding with the start of the olive harvest season. Settlers have increasingly targeted agricultural yields, leading to widespread theft and property destruction.
Dawn Raids and Arrests
In the early hours of Monday, Israeli troops breached the eastern main entrance of Qalqilya and dispersed into various neighborhoods. They raided and searched several residences before detaining five individuals: Aws Abu Ali, Gassan Jabrill, Ahmad Buruq, Munther al-Aqra’, and Hamoudi Hawtri.
Simultaneously, forces arrested two brothers, Noor and Ayoub Shahrouri, from Ibn Rushd Street in Nablus following house-to-house searches. Troops also raided homes in Kafr Qil, a town south of Nablus, searching premises and disturbing contents.
Attacks on Pickers and Infrastructure
Settlers launched coordinated attacks on olive pickers in northern West Bank localities including Bitta, Qasrah, Qabalan, Barqa, and Madma. Reports indicate farmers were beaten, their olives stolen, and harvesting equipment destroyed.
Near Tiyas, east of Ramallah, settlers assaulted two Bedouin men at a gathering point, inflicting bruises and injuries. An ambulance belonging to Salwat Municipality was also attacked while en route to assist the victims.
In Bitta, south of Nablus, settlers attacked the home of Motie Al-Aqoush in the “Al-Hara’iq” area. The group severed the electricity pole supplying the house, cut down surrounding olive trees, smashed a vehicle, and dumped trash nearby. Authorities subsequently arrested Al-Aqoush following the incident. Earlier that evening, settlers had cut power to another residence belonging to Muntasir Hamayil in the “Al-Arma” district of Bitta.
Security Checkpoints and Fire
Tensions rose further in Jenin, east of Bethlehem, where Israeli forces fired at a vehicle before detaining it. The area saw tightened military presence, including checkpoints, vehicle inspections, identity seizures, and arrests of citizens passing through.
The violence underscores a pattern of aggression targeting Palestinian livelihoods and infrastructure during the critical agricultural period.
