WEST BANK, (The Palestine Foundation Pakistan)Jewish settlers uprooted on Monday morning around 400 olive trees in the Al-Shuyoukh wilderness area, northeast of al-Khalil, in the latest series of attacks on Palestinian lands and agricultural property.
Local sources reported that the uprooting and bulldozing occurred in the Al-Majalis area of Al-Shuyoukh, where an ancient carob tree, over 400 years old, stands at the center, prompting outrage among local residents and farmers.
Farmer Ayed Hamed Al-Mashni and his family attempted to reach their land as soon as they learned about the settlers’ incursion, which involved a digging machine. However, Israeli forces blocked them from passing, claiming the area was a “closed military zone” due to its proximity to the Asfar and Mitzad settlements.
Mashni explained that the settlers had pulled the trees out by their roots and deliberately concealed them to avoid evidence of the crime. He estimated that roughly 400 trees were destroyed, belonging to him and his cousin, Mohammad Mahmoud Al-Mashni.
He added that he contacted the Israeli police to file an official complaint, but about an hour later, the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of the digging machine from the site to remove any evidence before the police could arrive.
Farmer Ahmad Mohammad Al-Mashni stated that the uprooted olive trees were fruitful and around eight years old. He voiced concerns over continued settler assaults on the remaining farmlands in the area.
Mohammad Owaidat, the mayor of Al-Shuyoukh, confirmed that he had submitted several requests through the Palestinian Civil Liaison to obtain permits allowing landowners to access their property and harvest their crops, but the Israeli side has yet to respond.
He added that he would soon renew the request and urged farmers to file official complaints with human rights and international organizations to push back against escalating settler violations.
Just two weeks ago, settlers physically assaulted farmer Ayed Al-Mashni and his wife while they were working on their land in the same area, resulting in their hospitalization and a surgery for his wife due to serious injuries.
Across the West Bank, settler violence has intensified with the start of the olive harvest season, as Israeli authorities continue to expand restricted zones for Palestinians. Meanwhile, settlers, under military protection, seize harvests and assault farmers.
