Israeli settlers destroy olive groves near Nablus

Palestinian farmers on Sunday accused Israeli settlers of destroying their olive groves near Nablus in the occupied West Bank.

“Settlers from the Havad Gilad settlement chopped down around 50 olive trees,” Mohamed Osaida, a farmer, told Anadolu Agency.

“They looted my land; I have nothing left,” he said, going on to accuse settlers of attempting to seize control of his farmland in the area.

“They are stealing our fruits and cutting down our trees,” he said.

According to Palestinian figures, more than 700,000 Jewish settlers now live in 196 settlements (built with the Israeli government’s approval) and more than 200 settler outposts (built without its approval) across the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian residents complain of repeated attacks by settlers, who usually enjoy the protection of Israeli military personnel.

Palestinian officials accuse the Israeli army and police of turning a blind eye to the settler assaults.