Palestinian Resistance Through Olive Oil Harvesting

In the heart of a protracted occupation, Palestinian olive oil emerges as a symbol of resilience in the face of Israeli occupation. Palestinian Olive Oil generates $200 million for the economy, a revenue that is continuously disrupted by occupation forces. These ancient olive trees, stoic symbols of unwavering connection to the land, bear the weight of ceaseless conflict. The Israeli government's illegal control over checkpoints, relentless expansion of settlements, and pervasive access restrictions have intricately interwoven a web of complications for Palestinian farmers.

Harvesting season for olives is October and November, which at present has obliterated Palestinian livelihood in the wake of genocide and mass exodus. Bilal Saleh, a Palestinian farmer, was shot dead in October whilst harvesting olives. Harvesting became an act of resistance prior to the unlawful war.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Ahmed Abu Rjeila, a 40-year-old Palestinian farmer, described his daily challenges: “I used to go to my land in Abasan al-Jadida with my three brothers despite the dangers that we faced every day from the Israeli occupation, who would shoot at us in order to leave.” There has been devastation in every facet of society. “We are heartbroken over our crops, which we cannot reach. We can’t irrigate or observe our land or take care of it. After every devastating war, we pay thousands of shekels to ensure the quality of our crops and to make our soil suitable again for agriculture.”

At present, many farmers have left their work as their homes are no longer intact. The mere act of transporting olives from groves to presses has been transformed into an arduous ordeal, plagued by Israeli dominance over checkpoints and movement within the West Bank. This has not only resulted in potential spoilage and additional expenses but also dissuaded international investors from engaging with Palestinian olive oil. According to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in 2021 alone, there were over 100 reported incidents of access restrictions, affecting the livelihoods of countless Palestinian farmers. The ongoing airstrikes in the eastern region of Khan Younis have led to the tragic loss of almost 20 farmers and left others wounded, as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Agriculture.

At present, ​​Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has proposed establishing "sterile security zones" around West Bank settlements and settler-only roads to prevent Palestinian farmers from reaching their olive groves in the occupied territory. The unchecked expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has posed a significant threat to Palestinian olive farmers. Data from OCHA reveals that, as of 2021, there were over 440,000 Israeli settlers living in the West Bank, contributing to the confiscation of land, uprooting of olive trees, and further division of Palestinian territories. This phenomenon has left a profound impact, with over 2.7 million Palestinians living in the West Bank facing severe restrictions on their movement and access to basic resources, as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. This has been further exacerbated by the on-going ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, despite the adversities, Palestinian olive oil production remains a vital component of the economy, accounting for 40% of agricultural production. By embracing sustainable farming practices and organic production, they have managed to enhance the quality and value of their olive oil. The excellence of Palestinian olive oil pays an homage to the unwavering dedication of these farmers, encapsulating its rich history, culture, and the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people.

The political dynamics surrounding Palestinian olive oil are highly intricate. They serve as a product of solidarity, particularly in the West, where consumers view the purchase of Palestinian olive oil as a form of support for Palestinian farmers. Each bottle signifies a refusal to allow adversity to extinguish the flame of resilience. Palestinian olive oil stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of its producers, flourishing amidst the turmoil of protracted conflict. This liquid gold embodies the essence of Palestine and serves as a symbol of hope in the midst of adversity, and the urgency resting at the hands of readers to purchase Palestinian olive oil to show support and stand against it’s apartheid.