United Nations officials said settler attacks and Israeli access restrictions are preventing safe olive harvests in the West Bank, where as many as 100,000 Palestinian households depend on olives for their livelihoods.
At an Oct. 22 briefing, the U.N. described a visit to Jenin led by Acting Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov. Diplomats from 13 member states joined the visit, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The U.N. also said the obstacles to harvesting are undermining food security.
Growers in Arraba told the delegation about repeated attacks by settlers. Aid partners described accompanying pickers to groves and providing legal assistance to challenge Israeli restrictions on access.
Alakbarov called for Israeli authorities to hold people responsible for crimes against farmers accountable, Dujarric said. He also sought more funding for aid organizations and urged Israel to make safe, dignified returns possible for displaced Palestinians.
At a clinic in Qabatiya, diplomats met Palestinians whom the U.N. said Israeli authorities have prevented from returning to Jenin Camp since early 2025. Many of their homes have been destroyed, Dujarric said.
On Oct. 19, U.N. human rights experts called on Israel to protect olive farmers and ensure they can reach their groves. The U.N. briefing came three days after that earlier warning about farmers' access.
