The key facts

  • UN condemns seizure of Palestinian homes near Jericho; dozens of residents displaced
  • 377 attacks recorded since the start of the olive harvest season in September — the highest since 2006
  • 80,000–100,000 Palestinian families depend on the olive harvest

Seizure of homes and a closed military zone

The UN on Thursday condemned the seizure of Palestinian homes by settlers near the occupied city of Jericho in the West Bank, which, according to the organization, displaced dozens of Palestinians. The UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journaliststhat, according to available information, settlers used live ammunition, physically assaulted residents and injured some of them. Afterwards, Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone, which, according to Dujarric, prevented UN humanitarian partners from visiting those affected.

Record number of attacks during the olive harvest season

Beyond the incident near Jericho, the UN spokesperson cited statistics for the entire West Bank: since September, during the olive harvest period, 377 attacks resulting in casualties or damage to Palestinian property have been recorded — the highest number since 2006, when the UN humanitarian office OCHA began keeping records. According to the data, one Palestinian was killed by a settler, more than 200 were injured, and more than 3,850 olive trees and saplings were damaged or destroyed. Dujarric stressed that the olive harvest is the source of livelihood for 80,000–100,000 Palestinian families, and called for ensuring safe access to sources of income and holding those responsible accountable.