In late August, the Palestinian town of Al Mughayyir in the occupied West Bank withstood a vicious four-day siege by Israeli settlers. This deeply unfortunate occurrence caused the cutting down of over 9000 olive trees, the backbone of the local economy. Despite a population of just over 3,500, Al Mughayyir is completely surrounded by illegal Jewish settlements and outposts. These settlements are the product of a deliberate campaign by Israeli citizens to occupy Palestinian land. This move only escalates military tension in the already explosive region.
We should not be surprised that tensions flared following the inflammatory remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He suggested schemes to extend Israeli annexation over more than 80 percent of the Occupied West Bank, further deepening the ongoing siege. Smotrich’s remarks, along with those of other hardline politicians, have raised alarms about the future of Palestinian communities like Al Mughayyir. Opposition from local leaders and residents fears more of these developments would open them up to more inundation and further encroachment on their home and lives.
The Impact of Olive Tree Destruction
The destruction of roughly 10,000 olive trees on the eastern side of Al Mughayyir has had an immediate and lasting impact on the residents. For countless families, these trees offered the only consistent economic lifeline. Moreover, they were a potent expression of their connection to their culture and ethnicity. This beautiful symbol of resistance is the olive tree, which symbolizes the resilient and steadfast Palestinian people. Its loss resonates acutely within the community.
At the town’s recent mayoral inauguration, new deputy mayor Marzouk Abu Naim warned that this should strike fear into all.
“Why did they cut [trees] here? Why destroy them?” – Marzouk Abu Naim
He continued in depth with the economic impacts to say that agriculture is the economic driver for the community.
“These people rely only on agriculture, on the olives and sheep. [The settlers] have besieged the village in an extreme way.” – Marzouk Abu Naim
Residents stated that too many were sent away in sadness after watching the chainsaw crews cut down their cherished trees.
“People are saying, ‘All my source of livelihood is gone,’” – Marzouk Abu Naim
The emotion from impacted communities was real—many started to weep at the thought of losing what they felt was already a permanent tragedy.
“They began crying over the olive trees, and saying, ‘I have nothing left for me here.’” – Marzouk Abu Naim
The Broader Context of Occupation
Al Mughayyir, located in Area C of the West Bank. This area encompasses about 60 percent of the territory and is under total Israeli military and civilian control. This arbitrary designation has real impacts on the daily lives and freedoms of its residents. The impact of the Israeli military’s presence on the ground has been acutely felt. Locally, we’ve heard reports that drones circle regularly over local area schools, instilling a sense of fear and confusion.
This hostility and antagonism has boiled over in recent months as settler harassment, intimidation and violence toward Palestinian communities has surged. Local leaders point out that their villages are not passive victims. Instead, they were profoundly engaged in a much broader struggle for justice and sovereignty.
“There’s a background situation to that, and unfortunately it reflects on the larger struggle that we’ve had here over the past century.” – Source unidentified
Despite the odds, residents like Abu Naim continue to hold firm on their claim to land and livelihood.
“We are staying here. This is our land. We cannot leave it.” – Source unidentified
Local Resistance and Future Implications
The fate of Palestinian communities in the context of growing movement towards annexation, represented by what’s happening in Al Mughayyir right now. Every morning, the local schoolchildren ceremonially hoist the Palestinian flag. This act illuminates their deep-rooted commitment to their identity and informs us of their resolve against unending challenges.
As violence shows little sign of abating, there is a palpable desire among the people of Al Mughayyir and elsewhere for an independent international presence.
“We hope that these states will take positions on the side of justice, which is clear,” – Marzouk Abu Naim
There are voices of sanity in Israel campaigning for reasonable conversations about land, including Mikhael Manekin. Israeli educator Yisrael Medad expressed the conviction that talking beats fighting.
“We have a good case [to be there], we have a logical case, we have [a] rational case, and I think that if we pursue it better, more people will be convinced and influenced about our arguments.” – Yisrael Medad
As this conflict rages on, each side must come to terms with deeply rooted historical grievances that inform and distort their respective narratives. The destruction of olive trees in Al Mughayyir serves as a poignant reminder of how land disputes can escalate into broader conflicts affecting countless lives.
