West Bank Olive Harvest Threatened as Settler Violence and Economic Crisis Deepen Palestinian Desperation
NUSEIRAT REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank – Palestinian farmers in teh West Bank are facing unprecedented obstacles to their annual olive harvest, a vital economic and cultural tradition, due to escalating settler violence and a deepening financial crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The harvest,typically a time of communal celebration,is now overshadowed by fear and uncertainty,with farmers bracing for potential attacks and struggling to survive under mounting economic pressure.
The situation reflects a broader collapse of the Palestinian economy,impacting the estimated 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security service has warned that mass unemployment, failing services, and deepening poverty could fuel “further escalation,” a concern echoed by US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, despite his support for Israeli settlements. “If the Palestinian economy were to completely collapse, it won’t be a winning deal for anyone. It would lead to an escalation and further desperation. Desperate people do desperate things,” Huckabee said in a recent interview.
Mohammed Abdul Hadi, a 68-year-old retired teacher in As-Sawiya, exemplifies the economic hardship. His monthly pension from the Palestinian Authority (PA) has not been paid in full as the war in Gaza began two years ago. Farmers are attempting to salvage what they can, as seen in Nuseirat refugee camp, where Palestinians gather to harvest olives from the few surviving trees.
As October 7, 2023, the UN reports over 1,000 palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with one in five being children.Simultaneously, 59 israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or armed clashes in the West Bank and Israel, including 16 women and five children, and 22 security force members.
“Harvest should be a time of joy and celebration. This year, we are just worrying about how many will be killed and who they will be,” said Milhem, a local farmer. Despite the fear, many Palestinians remain resolute. “People are terrified, it’s true… and a lot of our young people are leaving,” says Hassan, a West Bank resident. “They aim to push us out but we would rather eat grass.”
