Palestinian Woman Assaulted by Settler During Olive Harvest
In a violent incident highlighting tensions in the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian woman was attacked by an Israeli settler while harvesting olives in her family’s orchard. The assault near Burin village, south of Nablus, has drawn condemnation from rights groups, who accuse Israel of failing to protect Palestinians from settler violence.
Details of the Attack
Eyewitnesses reported that 45-year-old Fatima Hassan was struck repeatedly with a wooden club by a masked settler while working in her olive grove. The unprovoked attack left her with a fractured arm and severe bruises. The assailant fled before Israeli forces arrived, and Hassan was hospitalized.
“I was just picking olives, like my family has done for generations,” Hassan told NextMinuteNews. “This land is ours, but they want to scare us into leaving.”
Rising Settler Violence in the West Bank
The attack reflects a broader surge in settler violence:
- The UN recorded 800+ incidents in 2023, a 40% increase from 2022.
- Olive harvest season (Oct–Nov) sees heightened attacks, including tree uprooting and arson.
- Rights groups accuse Israel of enabling impunity, with few prosecutions.
Outrage and Calls for Accountability
–Palestinian Authority: Condemned the attack as part of “ethnic cleansing.”
–B’Tselem (Israeli NGO): Blamed government inaction for encouraging violence.
–Farmers: Organize volunteer patrols but demand international intervention.
Why Olive Trees Matter
Olives support 80,000+ West Bank families, symbolizing resilience and economic survival. Attacks threaten both safety and livelihoods.
Will the Violence Stop?
Despite global condemnation, Israeli authorities rarely act. Families like Hassan’s vow to stay, but without accountability, escalation looms.
Follow NextMinuteNews for updates on this developing story.
