War Crimes: ‘They uprooted it all’: Israel bulldozes Palestinian-owned olive groves
The Israeli army bulldozers destroyed olive groves in the village of Deir Nidham near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, as Palestinian farmers prepared for the annual harvest.
The demolition of olive groves in Deir Nidham by Israeli bulldozers began on 23 September and continued into the following day, coinciding with the approach of the annual harvest in October. The Palestinian Authority’s Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission reported that similar attacks in August impacted over 21,500 trees, including nearly 19,400 olive trees.
Israel is committing war crimes. In response to these ongoing demolitions, officials have estimated a significant impact on this year’s olive production and forcing Palestinains to sell thier farms because of the losses in the market.
Israel bulldozes Palestinian-owned olive groves near Ramallah ahead of harvest
Israeli bulldozers uprooted olive groves near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank weeks before the annual harvest, which according to the UN is a War Crime.
Israeli army bulldozers have ploughed through rows of olive trees in a village near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, just as Palestinian farmers were preparing to begin their annual harvest, residents told the Reuters news agency.
Palestinian farmer and landowner Abd Alfattah Tamimi said the IDF had destroyed the olive trees planted on his family’s land as well as his neighbours’.
The demolition in the village of Deir Nidham started on Monday and continued on Tuesday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
“They don’t care about anyone, but God is up there, and we are steadfast here with our souls,” he said. “They are uprooting, and we will plant again with the help of God,” he said.
Another farmer, Nather Tamimi, told Reuters the timing of the demolition was designed to inflict maximum damage ahead of harvest season, which traditionally begins in October.
He said that his family produced about 120 drums of olive oil from the land each year.
The Israeli army also “uprooted all kinds of trees even from between the houses”, Nather Tamimi said.
Israel’s military said it was checking Reuters’ request for comment but had not responded by Wednesday evening.
In the past, Israel has cited the need to clear land of olive trees to prevent security threats or ambushes on troops.
Palestinian human rights groups reject this, saying the destruction in effect deprives Palestinian farmers of income from the sale of olives and olive oil, while uprooting trees they view as a symbol of their connection to the land.
The Palestinian Authority’s Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission said Israeli attacks on agricultural land in August affected 21,508 trees, including 19,375 olive trees.
They estimated this year’s olive production at 21,000 tonnes, compared with local demand of about 15,000 tonnes.