The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has issued a stark warning about escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian farmers, coinciding with the critical olive harvest season. A report released on Tuesday highlighted a disturbing rise in attacks, with 757 incidents recorded in the first half of this year alone, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.

These aggressive acts are notably prevalent during the olive harvest, a crucial period for many Palestinian families whose livelihoods depend on these crops. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that in just the last week, nearly 71 attacks were reported in the occupied West Bank, with half directly targeting the olive harvests.

Ajith Sunghay, the head of OHCHR in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, expressed grave concerns about the nature and frequency of these incidents. "Settler violence has skyrocketed in scale and frequency, with the acquiescence, support, and in many cases participation, of Israeli security forces – and always with impunity,” Sunghay stated. He described severe attacks on Palestinian communities, involving armed settlers and even assaults on foreign solidarity activists.

Footage and reports from the region show settlers engaging in destructive actions such as burning olive trees, destroying homes, and assaulting Palestinian farmers. The economic repercussions are severe, with unharvested olive groves leading to $10 million in lost profits last year, a devastating trend that continues to affect the region economically and socially.

Despite the violence, Palestinian farmers persist in returning to their groves, driven by a deep connection to their land and heritage. Olives are more than just a source of income in Palestine; they are a symbol of identity and resilience.

The ongoing violence has broader implications, according to Sunghay, who warns that it is part of a larger scheme aimed at annexing the entire West Bank. He reiterated Israel's legal obligations under international law, particularly following a 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice that declared Israel’s presence in the occupied territories illegal. Sunghay urged member states to "exercise maximum pressure to protect civilians, halt and reverse these policies, and ensure accountability for decades of violations of Palestinians' rights under international law."

This escalating conflict poses significant challenges to peace and stability in the region, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and support for the Palestinian people amidst these troubling times.