Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters in the West Bank, inflicting serious injuries on at least one woman and escalating concerns over settler violence during the 2025 harvest season. The incident occurred on October 1, 2023, in the town of Turmus Ayya, where videos obtained by The Associated Press show settlers beating farmers and activists with clubs.
Witnesses reported that the violence intensified as the olive harvest began, prompting alarm from various organizations, including the United Nations. According to Ajith Sunghay, head of the U.N. Human Rights Office in the Palestinian territory, “Settler violence has skyrocketed in scale and frequency.” He added that within the first two weeks of the harvest, severe attacks against Palestinian individuals and solidarity activists have been documented.
In one disturbing video, a masked man was seen attacking two individuals with a club, including a woman who lay motionless on the ground. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that the woman required hospitalization due to her injuries. Another video captured a group of masked men pursuing a car, with one settler striking the vehicle and attempting to open the door while a passenger narrowly escaped.
The violence is not isolated. Reports indicate a surge in settler attacks across the West Bank, with over 150 incidents already recorded during the initial week of the olive harvest. Furthermore, more than 700 olive trees have been uprooted, damaged, or poisoned, according to Muayyad Shaaban, who oversees an office tracking these violent events for the Palestinian Authority.
The ongoing violence in Turmus Ayya is part of a broader trend. Historically, this area has faced settler aggression, but local residents report that conditions have worsened significantly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tensions escalated following the killing of Amer Rabee, a 14-year-old Palestinian-American, by Israeli forces in April. This incident has sparked ongoing protests against settler violence and perceived inaction from the military.
The United Nations highlights the gravity of the situation, noting that the first half of 2025 has seen 757 settler attacks resulting in casualties or property damage—an increase of 13% compared to the same period in 2024.
In response to the recent violence, Israeli police have expressed concern over the attacks. The head of the West Bank police force reportedly noted that footage of the masked settler assaulting the woman was troubling enough to keep him awake at night, instructing his officers to take action against those responsible.
Despite these statements, Israel’s military and police did not provide further comments regarding the recent incidents. The ongoing conflict and rising tensions in the region present ongoing challenges as Palestinians continue their harvest amid fears for their safety.
The olive harvest has significant cultural and economic importance for Palestinian communities, making the recent spike in violence all the more alarming. As the situation evolves, both local and international observers will continue to monitor the developments in this deeply contested region.
