UN Rights Office Raises Alarm Over Rising Israeli Settler Violence During Olive Harvest

Ajith Sunghay reported on Tuesday that settler violence has dramatically increased in both scale and frequency, often with the acquiescence or active participation of Israeli security forces, and consistently without accountability. In the first half of 2025, there were 757 settler attacks causing casualties or property damage, marking a 13 percent rise compared to the same period the previous year. “Just two weeks into the 2025 harvest, there have already been severe attacks by armed settlers against Palestinian men, women, children, and foreign solidarity activists,” he noted.

Harvests lost, land destroyed

Data from OHCHR indicates that 96,000 dunums (around 9,600 hectares) of olive groves were left unharvested in 2023, resulting in over $10 million in losses for Palestinian farmers. This trend persisted into 2024. “Direct land destruction is also escalating,” Sunghay reported, citing incidents of settlers burning groves, cutting down olive trees, and demolishing homes and agricultural infrastructure. He highlighted the broader consequences of the occupation, noting that since October 2023, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, while thousands have been displaced due to attacks, movement restrictions, and home demolitions.

‘Livelihood and lineage’

Sunghay emphasized that the olive tree represents more than just agriculture; it symbolizes livelihood, lineage, resilience, economy, and a historic connection of Palestinians to their land. He stated that up to 100,000 families rely on the olive harvest for their livelihoods, describing it as “the economic backbone of rural Palestinian communities.” OHCHR is collaborating with partners to enhance monitoring, provide legal aid, and maintain a protective presence for farmers and landowners. Sunghay cautioned that the increase in settler violence is happening amidst an “accelerated Israeli land grab,” with officials openly expressing their intent to annex the entire West Bank. He stressed Israel’s legal obligation to end the occupation and reverse the annexation, urging member states to exert maximum pressure to protect civilians, halt and reverse these policies, and ensure accountability for longstanding violations. “And yes,” he concluded, “it begins with the olives.”