Devastation in the West Bank: Israeli Bulldozers Destroy Palestinian Olive Groves Ahead of Harvest

Palestinian Abd Alfattah Tamimi gestured after Israeli military machinery uprooted his olive trees near the Palestinian village of Deir Nidham near Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on September 23, 2026. Israeli army bulldozers plowed through rows of olive trees in the village just as Palestinian farmers were preparing to begin their annual harvest, residents informed the Reuters news agency.

Palestinian farmer and landowner Abd Alfattah Tamimi stated that the army destroyed the olive trees planted on his family's land and on his neighbors' properties. The demolition in the village of Deir Nidham began on Monday and persisted into Tuesday, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Expressing his resilience, he noted that they remain steadfast and will replant with the help of God.

Another farmer, Nather Tamimi, told Reuters that the timing of the demolition aimed to inflict maximum damage right before the harvest season, which traditionally commences in October. He explained that his family typically produces approximately 120 drums of olive oil from this land annually, adding that the Israeli army also uprooted various other trees located between houses.

The Israeli military stated it was reviewing Reuters' request for comment, though no response had been provided by Wednesday evening. Historically, Israel has defended the clearing of olive land as a measure to prevent security threats or ambushes against troops. Conversely, Palestinian human rights groups reject this justification, arguing that the destruction deprives farmers of their income and targets trees symbolizing their deep connection to the land.

According to the Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, Israeli attacks on agricultural land during August impacted 21,508 trees, which included 19,375 olive trees. Authorities estimated this year's olive production at 21,000 tonnes, against a local demand of approximately 15,000 tonnes.