APN | Jericho

8 October 2024

Amid increasing daily challenges, APN remains committed in its mission to support and stand with Palestinian farmers. Recently, APN completed the planting of 2,000 fruit trees, funded by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, on a land in the village of 'Aqqaba, Jericho. This activity is part of a determined effort to bolster farmers’ steadfastness and safeguard their lands against persistent threats of confiscation. In a village resisting on multiple fronts, each tree serves as a small shield against the relentless tactics of the occupation.

Located in the northeast of the West Bank, 'Aqqaba exemplifies the hardships Palestinians face under Israeli occupation. The village is surrounded by two Israeli military bases and a series of checkpoints, which severely hinder communication with neighboring towns and markets. As these restrictions intensify, 97% of the village's buildings are under demolition orders, reflecting a profound suffering that extends beyond physical structures that deeply affects the lives of its people.

Since 1967, the population of 'Aqqaba has declined from around 2,000 people to around 300 today, due to policies of demolition and forced displacement. The village used to cover 5,000 dunams (1,235 acres) of fertile agricultural land, famous for growing grains, olives, and stone fruits. However, after the occupation confiscated 805 dunams (199 acres) for military purposes and expanded settlements, it has greatly reduced those areas, leaving farmers in a constant struggle to preserve what remains of their land.

Today, 'Aqqaba faces the imminent loss of its agricultural lands, most of which are situated in Area C, under full Israeli occupation control. This situation exacerbates the suffering of its people and intensifies the challenges to their steadfastness. However, the will of the people remains as deeply rooted as the trees planted by Palestinian hands.