The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has raised alarm over the escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian farmers, coinciding with the commencement of the olive harvest season. This period is crucial for many Palestinian families who rely on olive cultivation for their livelihoods.
Ajith Sunghay, head of OHCHR in the region, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that “settler violence has skyrocketed in scale and frequency, with the acquiescence, support, and in many cases participation, of Israeli security forces – and always with impunity.” He further noted that within the first two weeks of the 2025 harvest, there have been severe attacks by armed settlers against Palestinian men, women, children, and foreign solidarity activists. ([un.org](https://www.un.org/unispal/document/ohchr-remarks-21oct25/?utm_source=openai))
Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that in the first half of 2025, there were 757 settler attacks resulting in casualties or property damage, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024. ([ungeneva.org](https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/10/111992/un-rights-office-sounds-alarm-over-skyrocketing-israeli-settler?utm_source=openai))
Recent incidents underscore the gravity of the situation. In Turmus Ayya, a Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and activists, severely injuring at least one woman who was hospitalized. Videos obtained by the Associated Press show masked settlers, some armed with clubs and wearing Jewish religious garments, beating civilians, pursuing fleeing individuals, and torching cars. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/1e9cbd6af6ea502fbfca5d9ffe949b0b?utm_source=openai))
The economic repercussions are significant. In 2023, approximately 96,000 dunums (around 9,600 hectares) of olive groves were left unharvested due to access restrictions and violence, leading to over $10 million in losses for Palestinian farmers. This trend has continued into 2024, exacerbating the financial strain on families dependent on olive cultivation. ([ungeneva.org](https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/10/111992/un-rights-office-sounds-alarm-over-skyrocketing-israeli-settler?utm_source=openai))
Beyond the economic impact, the olive tree holds deep cultural and historical significance for Palestinians. Sunghay emphasized that “the olive here is never just a tree. It is livelihood and lineage, resilience and economy, and a historic vein connecting Palestinians to the land.” ([un.org](https://www.un.org/unispal/document/ohchr-remarks-21oct25/?utm_source=openai))
In response to the escalating violence, the OHCHR is collaborating with partners to enhance monitoring, provide legal aid, and maintain a protective presence for farmers and landowners. Sunghay warned that the surge in settler violence is occurring “against the backdrop of an accelerated Israeli land grab,” with officials “openly declaring their intent to annex the whole of the West Bank.” He reiterated that Israel “has a legal obligation to end the occupation and reverse the annexation,” urging member states to “exercise maximum pressure to protect civilians, halt and reverse these policies, and ensure accountability for decades of violations.” ([un.org](https://www.un.org/unispal/document/ohchr-remarks-21oct25/?utm_source=openai))
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for immediate action to protect Palestinian farmers and uphold their rights under international law.