On October 16, 2024, UN experts reported that over 9,600 hectares of olive groves in the occupied West Bank remained uncultivated due to restrictions imposed by Israel. They described the current olive harvest period as the most dangerous in history for Palestinian farmers, citing violence from Israeli settlers and military forces.
The UN experts, who work for the Human Rights Council but do not represent the UN, highlighted that Palestinian farmers face intimidation, restricted access to their land, harassment, and attacks by settlers and Israeli security forces. They noted a significant increase in movement restrictions and violence impacting the harvest this year.
The experts urged Israeli forces to refrain from interfering with the olive harvest and to focus on ending the occupation and dismantling settlements, emphasizing the olive's central role in Palestinian agriculture and economy.
In 2023, the uncultivated land led to a loss of 1,200 tons of olive oil valued at $10 million. The statement was co-signed by Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, who accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has accused her of antisemitism and called for her removal from her position.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed over 705 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority's Health Ministry in Ramallah. Israeli sources report at least 24 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have died in Palestinian attacks or during military operations.