RAMALLAH / PNN / 

Palestinian farmers have harvested approximately 57% of the land targeted for this year's olive harvest, covering 445,000 dunams out of 780,000, despite attacks and field conditions that have hindered access to farmland and the collection of crops, the Higher Committee of the National Olive Harvest Campaign said Thursday.

The committee said the progress reflected farmers' determination to remain on their land, protect their olive trees and harvest their crops, which are a vital source of income for their families. It added that farmers' efforts, supported by the national campaign, were essential to the success of the harvest and the preservation of an important Palestinian economic, cultural and national resource.

The campaign has organized 35 official and central events, alongside dozens of local initiatives across Palestine, with the participation of local authorities, agricultural associations, civil society and international organizations, Palestinian and international volunteers, and diplomatic missions. The activities aim to support farmers, help them reach their land and enable them to complete the harvest.

However, the committee said field conditions had prevented some activities from taking place. Campaign events in Hebron governorate were suspended because of the prevailing situation, while several activities in Ramallah and al-Bireh governorate were prohibited. These restrictions have added to the challenges facing efforts to reach farmers and provide support in their fields.

As part of its direct assistance, the campaign has provided farmers with more than 1,800 olive-harvesting tools and agricultural supply packages, including ladders, harvesting sheets, weed-cutting machines and hand-pruning shears.

A further 950 harvesting tools and agricultural supply packages have been provided to local authorities and agricultural associations, which use the equipment to support farmers and lend them the tools needed to complete their work. The total number of tools and agricultural supplies distributed so far has exceeded 2,750.

The committee said the assistance was helping to ease the practical and financial burdens of harvesting, expand access to agricultural equipment and reach more farmers, particularly in areas facing difficult field conditions and restrictions.

Local authorities and agricultural associations have played a central role in leading campaign activities in towns and villages, coordinating support, providing essential supplies and helping farmers reach their land and collect their crops, the committee added.

The Higher Committee praised the determination and resilience of Palestinian farmers and acknowledged the contributions of local authorities, agricultural associations, supporting institutions, volunteers, young people, women and diplomatic missions.

It called for continued coordination among official bodies, local communities and international partners to support farmers, protect olive trees and strengthen Palestinians' ability to remain on their land and sustain their agricultural livelihoods.