Heads of Mission and representatives from Belgium, the EU,
France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and the UK visited Qusra village
in Nablus district. They took part in the olive harvest, which
began this month and which has significant cultural and economic
importance for Palestinians. The visit was organised by the
British Consulate in coordination with the local community.
Participants heard from locals about settler violence in the
Nablus district, which has affected Qusra village for several
years and which tends to spike during the Olive Harvest season.
In the discussion, participants reiterated their continued
opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and concern over the
increased settlers’ violence. They recalled how Israel, as the
occupying power, is obliged under international law to protect
the Palestinian population from attacks, to maintain public order
in an impartial manner and to protect Palestinians and their
property.
British Consul General Diane Corner said: “It is very special to
participate in the Olive Harvest, but it is disheartening to hear
about persisting settler violence throughout the start of the
season. Settlers who are responsible for crimes against
Palestinians must be held to account and incidents should be
thoroughly investigated by the Israeli authorities, who should
take all necessary measures to protect Palestinians against such
violence.”
From his side, the European Union Representative Sven Kühn Von
Burgsdorff added: “Olive trees in Palestine are not just a source
of income; they are part of the Palestinian cultural and national
identity. Most of the olive trees are located in Area C of the
West Bank where Palestinian farmers are facing frequent attacks
by Israeli settlers. These attacks are unacceptable and
perpetrators should be brought to justice by the Israeli
authorities. The EU will continue its support to the Palestinian
farmers, and particularly in Area C. This is in line with our
known political objective of supporting the two state solution
and maintaining the Palestinian presence in Area C which is and
remains an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory.’’
During the visit, UN OCHA briefed the diplomats on recent settler
attacks against Palestinians across the West Bank and in the
Nablus area in particular. The number of incidents of settler
violence resulting in Palestinian casualties has risen
year-on-year since 2016.
According to UN OCHA, nearly half of cultivated Palestinian
agricultural land in the West Bank is planted with 10 million
olive trees. Between 80,000 and 100,000 families in the West Bank
rely on olive oil for primary or secondary sources of income.
Since 2014, the British Consulate General in Jerusalem and
likeminded missions have supported over 180 Palestinian
communities, including through the provision of harvesting
materials and by providing a protective and supporting presence
during harvesting. This year, the British Consulate will continue
to offer support through providing a protective presence during
the olive harvest at three selected location, focusing
particularly on Palestinian communities who have limited access
to their lands, or who face the threat of demolition or settler
violence.
