Palestinian Commission Reports 3133 West Bank Attacks in October

Violence against Palestinians and restrictions on agricultural activity intensified across the occupied West Bank in October, with Israeli military forces and settlers responsible for 3133 recorded attacks. The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported a 52.8% increase compared with September, citing assaults, property destruction and restrictions on access to farmland.

According to the Palestinian government body's monthly report, Israeli forces carried out 1764 attacks, while Israeli settlers were responsible for 1369 incidents. The figures indicate an escalation affecting Palestinian communities, agricultural properties and access to privately cultivated land.

Attacks attributed to Israeli settlers increased by 111.6% from September, when the commission recorded 647 incidents. The reported violence included shootings, physical assaults, damage to homes and agricultural property, burning of trees and vehicles, and the seizure of Palestinian possessions.

The commission also documented road closures and measures preventing Palestinians from reaching their land. These restrictions have added pressure on agricultural communities, particularly during the olive harvest, when farmers depend on access to their groves to collect crops and maintain their livelihoods.

Palestinian farmers are facing growing difficulties protecting olive trees, preserving agricultural land and securing income from the annual harvest. An opinion article published by Haaretz on November 1 described increasing settler violence and military measures that obstruct harvesting activities.

The article also highlighted allegations that Israeli military personnel cooperate with settlers and implement policies that make it harder for Palestinians to reach and cultivate their land. The olive harvest has consequently become another point of tension between Palestinian agricultural communities, settlers and Israeli military authorities.

The escalation forms part of a broader deterioration across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since Israel launched its war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. According to Anadolu Agency, the period has been marked by intensified military raids, movement restrictions, land seizures and forced displacement of Palestinian communities.

Settlement expansion and the establishment of additional outposts have also continued across the occupied territory, according to the report. These developments have further affected Palestinian communities and their ability to maintain access to agricultural areas.

The legal status of the occupation was addressed by the International Court of Justice in a landmark advisory opinion issued in July 2024. The court declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.