Israeli Bulldozers Uproot Olive Trees Near Ramallah Before October Harvest

Israeli military bulldozers plowed through rows of olive trees in Deir Nidham near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank starting Monday and continuing Tuesday, days before the harvest that begins in early October. Nearly nine acres were affected. Abd Alfattah Tamimi said trees on his family's and neighbors' land were destroyed and stated: "They don't care about anyone, but God is up there, and we are steadfast here with our souls. They are uprooting, and we will plant again with the help of God." Nather Tamimi said the family produces about 120 drums of olive oil a year and that the army "uprooted all kinds of trees even from between the houses." Contested: Israel has previously cited security threats or ambush prevention for clearing trees; Palestinian human rights groups reject that rationale, saying the clearances deprive families of income and damage trees viewed as symbols of connection to the land. The military had not commented on this incident by Wednesday evening. The PA Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said August attacks on agricultural land affected 21,508 trees, including 19,375 olives, and estimated this year's production at 21,000 tonnes against local demand of about 15,000. The olive sector accounts for about 8 percent of the Palestinian economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs. Separate military orders targeting hundreds of dunams were also reported, including 307.48 dunams near Jenin.