Italy’s foreign ministry said five Italian women detained in the West Bank while accompanying Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest returned home Saturday, after Rome had sought clarification from Israel about their detention.
Israel had earlier confirmed to the Italian foreign ministry that four Italian citizens were at a police station, prompting Rome to seek details, as described in EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of Italy’s request.
Reuters reported that Yesh Din counted more than 330 cases of harvest-related settler violence, including attacks, theft and tree damage. The harvest began in late September. Settlers have intimidated Palestinian olive harvesters for decades. Palestinians, activists and the United Nations say violence has risen sharply this year, Reuters reported.
Reuters said the women were taken into custody in Kiryat Arba alongside other international activists. The embassy said the women appeared physically well after staff met them at the airport Friday evening.
The Palestinian Authority’s agriculture ministry puts farming’s share at about 8% of GDP and employment at more than 60,000, with olives a mainstay of the sector. Israeli security services have described violent and criminal conduct as serious concerns.
