Overview

The olive harvest is one of the most important agricultural seasons in Palestine and holds a strong presence in rural life. The mountains and lands of Palestine have been planted with olive trees for centuries, and Palestinians continue to express their deep connection to their land and heritage by planting, caring for, and preserving these trees. It is no surprise that the olive tree has become one of the most powerful symbols of Palestinian identity. It is deeply rooted in both Palestinian religious and popular beliefs, admired as the tree of light mentioned in the holy scriptures. Palestinian farmers have inherited a tradition that sees the olive tree as their most valuable possession, reflected in the saying: “He owns nothing but the olive trees.” For generations, it has been a source of food security, protecting Palestinians from famine. Another wellknown saying, “Wheat and oil sustain the house,” highlights their unwavering commitment to these trees, making them the most cherished legacy passed down from ancestors to descendants.

The 2023 olive harvest season unfolded alongside the events of October 7 and the occupation’s launch of a genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza. As global attention focused on Gaza, settlers 4 and their government seized the moment to escalate their campaigns against Palestinians across the West Bank, particularly in Area C, as defined by the Oslo Accords.

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