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The Day · Tuesday 16 December 2025

Filed 22:09 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · West Bank

17:04–24:00Dusk and night

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Israeli Settlers Burn Olive Trees near Ramallah

Israeli settlers have burned olive trees near Ramallah, in an incident that underscores ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank. The action impacted Palestinian agricultural land, drawing condemnation from local communities and raising concerns over settler violence in the area.

NABLUS, WEST BANK – DECEMBER 08: A Palestinian man looks on as Israeli construction vehicles destroy agricultural lands and uproot centuries-old olive trees in the village of Karyut, south of the city of Nablus, West Bank on December 08, 2025. Palestinian farmers stated that the trees are the ‘memory of the village,’ while noting that hundreds of acres of land in the area are being targeted for a new settlement project. ( Issam Rimawi – Anadolu Agency )

Israeli settlers burned olive trees near Ramallah, marking a new episode of destruction targeting Palestinian agriculture in the West Bank. The incident unfolded in the vicinity of Ramallah, where olive groves represent both a vital source of livelihood and a deeply rooted cultural heritage for Palestinian families.

The burning of the olive trees came without warning, and by the time it was discovered, significant damage had already been inflicted on the groves. Local residents described scenes of scorched branches and blackened soil, as dense smoke rose from the area. The attack further strained the already volatile atmosphere in the region, where tension between settlers and Palestinian communities remains high.

From its side, the Palestinian community condemned the act, stating that such attacks are part of a repeated pattern targeting Palestinian farmers during critical harvesting periods. The loss of olive trees marks not only an economic setback but also an attack on the cultural and historical identity of the people connected to their land.

Meanwhile, calls have been raised demanding accountability and an end to what is viewed as systematic aggression against Palestinian agriculture. Residents near Ramallah expressed anger and frustration over the lack of protection and the growing frequency of such incidents. For many, the burning of olive trees is not an isolated act but reflective of a broader campaign to undermine Palestinian resilience and connection to the land.

In addition, the destruction of the olive trees adds to the layered challenges already facing Palestinian farmers, who continue their struggle under the ongoing occupation. The agricultural season, particularly the olive harvest, has long been regarded as a time of communal effort and connection to the land, now increasingly threatened by settler actions.

Eyewitnesses shared images of the smoldering land and expressed sorrow over what they see as a targeted assault on both their present and their heritage. The olive tree, symbolizing peace and rootedness, has once again been caught in the forefront of the conflict, standing as a silent witness to the unyielding pressure imposed on Palestinian life in the West Bank.

Israeli settlers have repeatedly been accused of carrying out similar attacks, and while the latest incident near Ramallah adds to a long list of grievances, local Palestinians vow to remain steadfast. Despite the loss, many declare their commitment to replant and restore the land, emphasizing a spirit of defiance and resistance in the face of continued aggressions.

The area surrounding Ramallah remains tense, as farmers assess the damage and reassert their right to remain on and work their land. The charred remains of the olive groves serve as a stark reminder of the broader struggle over land, identity, and resistance in Palestine.

As the smoke clears over the olive trees near Ramallah, residents reaffirm their determination to stand firm, facing both loss and resistance with resilience rooted deeply in their soil.

16 Dec, 22:09

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