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The United Nations announced that the number of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians working on harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank has already surpassed the figures recorded last year.
This came in a statement by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during his daily press conference in New York, where he reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East region.
Haq stated that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the number of settler attacks in the West Bank affecting the olive harvesting season, which officially began today, has already exceeded the figures recorded last year.
He explained that "attacks targeting Palestinian farmers during the current season have exceeded 200 attacks, compared to a total of 185 attacks recorded during the 2025 season."
Haq added that Israeli settler attacks during the current season resulted in the martyrdom of one Palestinian and the injury of more than 120 others, in addition to damaging over 2,500 olive trees or saplings, and that about 80% of these incidents occurred during the past two weeks.
He pointed out that "UN humanitarian partners are providing equipment and other agricultural supplies to farmers participating in the harvest season, in addition to monitoring restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on access to olive groves near settlements and those located behind the 712-kilometer barrier, and providing legal support to farmers."
Regarding the Gaza Strip, which is witnessing the same agricultural season, Haq said that "Israel does not allow the entry of necessary agricultural equipment into the Strip, at a time when olive groves are being destroyed and restrictions are imposed on access to agricultural lands, particularly those located behind what is known as the 'Yellow Line'."
He noted that the ban on importing agricultural supplies, engine oils, and spare parts severely hampers agricultural and harvesting activities, as well as the operation of the few remaining olive presses.
Haq touched upon Israeli attacks in the area, noting that "a number of humanitarian facilities were subjected to small arms fire and Israeli artillery shelling on Wednesday."
He explained that reports indicated "Israeli forces opened fire near a UN convoy, with no casualties reported."
Haq stressed the need to protect humanitarian workers and facilities, just like all civilians and civilian infrastructure.
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