The olive branch is a universal symbol of peace – but the West Bank’s autumn olive harvest is open season for Israeli settlers to pillage and kill

Autumn in Italy is marked by the olive harvest, but in the occupied West Bank, it has become a time of violence and intimidation. The olive harvest, vital for many Palestinian families, faces increasing attacks from Israeli settlers, particularly since 2023. This year, the harvest is overshadowed by fears of conflict, with residents risking their safety to gather olives. The UN reports significant settler violence, with hundreds of attacks leading to the destruction of thousands of trees, impacting the livelihoods and identity of millions of Palestinians.