As olive harvest nears, Palestinian farmers urgently need international protection: Opinion by Fareed Taamallah

Every October, the ancient olive groves in my hometown and across the occupied West Bank become dynamic hubs of life and labour. For generations of Palestinians, the olive harvest has been the pulse of our economic survival and a living link to our ancestors. The olive tree, resilient and deep-rooted, is a symbol of who we are and of our connection to this land. As this year's harvest approaches, our villages are gripped by a dread I have not seen before. In recent weeks, the situation across the West Bank has deteriorated sharply. Military raids, arbitrary road closures and daily incursions by armed settler militias have turned our countryside into a militarised zone. This season is shaping up to be worse than any we have faced. With Israeli elections set for 27 October, political factions are openly competing over who can strike the most aggressive posture towards Palestinians. Settlers are better armed than ever, equipped with assault rifles and military gear, and backed by state institutions. Before a single olive has been picked, settler violence has already reached record levels, with the UN recording an average of more than six attacks a day in August. This terror hits close to home. In my village of Qira, in the Salfit governorate, my family and neighbours await the harvest with deep anxiety. Our ancestral groves, like those in surrounding villages, are targeted by the illegal settlements and outposts around them. Read more: As olive harvest nears, Palestinian farmers urgently need international protection