Settlers attack nonviolent farmers and activists in Ni’lin village

Friday October 03, 2008 14:26 by IMEMC News

Israeli settlers attacked farmers accompanied by a group of international and Israeli activists en route to their lands on the far side of the wall in order to harvest the olives trees In the village of Ni’lin, north of Ramallah on Friday afternoon.

Palestinians and Internationals harvesting olive trees (File 2007)

About 40 activists clashed with as many settlers, who claim that the olive grove that was to be harvested does not indeed belong to the Ni’lin residents. The settlers tried to prevent the activists and the Palestinian family from reaching the trees.

Local sources reported that the activists and the farmers managed to drive the settlers off the land and to harvest the olive trees.

Meanwhile in Hebron, settlers attacked peace activists from the Israeli Rabbis for Human Rights movement as they stood protecting a group of Palestinians harvesting olives in their field.

Israeli media sources said Israeli troops operating in the area tried to stop the settlers who were trying to drive the farmers off the field.

Rabbis for Human Rights, an Israeli leftist movement, said they are planning to accompany Palestinians in 40 different villages when they go to harvest their olive trees in order to provide protection for them from the Israeli police, military and settlers who increasingly harass and assault Palestinians.

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