The struggle between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank over land is often visually evident during the annual fall olive harvesting season. Land ownership outside major cities is often legitimized by fruit-bearing trees. Olives are used for oil, pickles, and even for making soap, all important features in the Palestinian economy. Palestinian landowners cannot do all the harvesting, so local and sometimes international volunteers offer help. In some school districts, students are given days off for the harvesting season. Palestinian university students are given voluntary credit hours for helping during this season.

Well-known Palestinian artist Suleiman Mansour told Al-Monitor that since 1967 the olive tree became the symbol of Palestinian identity. “It represents steadfastness of the Palestinian people who are able to live under difficult circumstances in the same way that the tree can survive and has deep roots in their land so do the Palestinian people.” Mansour also said that parallel to this steadfastness the olive tree is a symbol of peace.

However, Israeli settlers have annually used this season to try and disrupt the harvest, stealing the produce, cutting down trees, and even initiating fires. In recent years these crimes have been well documented — and the Israeli army either turns a blind eye or on some occasions joins the settlers. 

The situation has become so difficult that UN special coordinator Tor Wennseland told the UN Security Council on Oct. 19 that along with the start of the olive harvesting season a week ago, settlers have been systematically destroying olive trees. “Reports say that settlers ruined 1,200 olive trees, and on Oct. 15, 40 settlers attacked Palestinians in the village of Yasouf north of Salfit in the West Bank causing the injury of a woman and three children,” Wennesland said.