Israeli Bulldozers Uproot Hundreds of Olive Trees in West Bank Village
Al-Mughayyir, West Bank — Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by military personnel, uprooted hundreds of olive trees on Sunday in the Palestinian village of al-Mughayyir, according to reports from AFP journalists on the scene.
The vast majority of the trees destroyed were olive trees, a symbol of both cultural heritage and economic survival for many Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.
Olive Trees: A Lifeline for Palestinian Farmers
Olive trees are not only a vital source of income but also deeply rooted in the identity and traditions of the region. The West Bank’s olive groves have long been at the heart of land disputes, especially in areas close to Israeli settlements.
Farmers in al-Mughayyir expressed anger and sadness over the destruction, fearing it would take years to recover both economically and emotionally.
“These trees have been here for generations. They’re our livelihood,” said one local farmer, whose family had tended the grove for decades.
Rising Tensions Over Land Ownership
Incidents like these often spark renewed tensions between Palestinian villagers and Israeli settlers, with olive groves frequently becoming flashpoints during the annual harvest season.
Rights groups have long condemned the destruction of agricultural land in the West Bank, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to peaceful coexistence in the region.