APN | Palestine

29 December 2024

In an effort to enhance the steadfastness of Palestinian farmers to cultivate lands threatened by confiscation, APN planted 750 olive trees in the villages of Beit Ummar and Al-Jab'a with the support of the Algerian Baraka Association.

Beit Ummar: Lands Facing Colonial Occupation and Settlement Expansion

Located to the northwest of Hebron, Beit Ummar's lands are constantly subjected to attacks from surrounding settlements. The "Gush Etzion" settlement has appropriated at least 30% of the village's land. This is in addition to the apartheid wall which has rendered vast areas of vineyards and olive farms inaccessible. To the south of the village lies the "Karmi Tzur" settlement which has stolen over 53% of Beit Ummar's land. The bypass road for settlers in the Sheikh Valley area, an essential agricultural zone to the east of the village, threatens further land seizures.

Al-Jab'a: A Blockaded Village Facing Siege

Al-Jab'a, situated to the southwest of Bethlehem on the Green line, is one of many besieged Palestinian villages. Surrounded by the "Kfar Etzion" settlements, the village only has one entrance which is controlled by the occupation forces. Isolated and subject to constant harassment from surrounding settlements, the agricultural lands of Al-Jab'a face the ongoing threat of colonial theft.

The activity is part of APN’s Million Tree Campaign which aims to support Palestinian farmers in resisting settlement expansion and strengthening food sovereignty.

Planting trees in Palestine remains a symbol of steadfastness and life amid the repressive measures imposed by the colonial occupation upon Palestinian farmers.