Palestinian Woman Brutally Attacked During Olive Harvest
In a violent incident highlighting West Bank tensions, a Palestinian woman was assaulted by an Israeli settler while harvesting olives in her family’s grove near Burin village, south of Nablus. The attack has drawn global condemnation as part of escalating settler violence against Palestinian farmers.
Eyewitness Account: Unprovoked Assault
Fatima Hassan, 45, was working in her olive grove when an armed Israeli settler approached her, shouted threats, and violently attacked her, leaving her bruised. Nearby farmers intervened, but the assailant fled before Israeli forces arrived.
Olive harvesting is vital to Palestinian livelihoods and culture, yet farmers routinely face harassment, arson, and violence from settlers—especially near illegal settlements.
Settler Violence Surge: Over 800 Incidents in 2023
The UN reports a sharp rise in settler attacks, with olive groves—symbols of Palestinian resilience—frequent targets. Rights groups like B’Tselem accuse Israel of failing to prosecute offenders, leaving victims without justice.
Global Outrage and Calls for Action
The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack as “terrorism,” urging international intervention. The EU and NGOs demand Israel protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. Israeli officials have not yet commented.
Olive Harvest: A Flashpoint in the Occupation
Olive trees represent heritage and survival for Palestinians, but extremist settlers target them to displace communities. Many farmers require military escorts to access their lands, facing delays and economic losses.
Will Accountability Follow?
With harvest season ongoing, activists call for stronger protections and legal action. Fatima’s case underscores the systemic violence Palestinians endure under occupation.
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