The World Food Program, in cooperation with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordination Office, sponsored a tour of Deir Al Ghusun and its agricultural lands Tuesday in honor of the olive harvest and all that it entails under occupation.
The northwestern West Bank's Tulkarem District town is in the midst of the olive harvest season, as so many Palestinian agricultural lands are. Today's tour included employees of UN branches and media organizations investigating Palestinian farmers' conditions this year.
The Director of the World Food Program joined Tulkarem's Governor, Tulkarem City's Mayor, the Coordinator of the National Committee against the Wall, a large number of farmers and citizens, and the Under Assistant in the Ministry of Agriculture, also walked through agricultural lands north of Tulkarem.
The Governor explained how the Israeli-built Wall is causing a great deal of difficulty for farmers as it has swallowed vast areas of agricultural land planted with vegetables and olives. He said that the Wall contravenes international law and public opinion and asked that the Israeli government realize that it does not bring security to anyone, instead only suffering to the occupied Palestinian people. Governor Dweikat said, “As long as there is occupation, there is no security.”
He continued, “We call upon all countries of the world to stand up for the Palestinian farmer who has lost his land altogether or who cannot access it. We also ask that you buy the Palestinian olive oil that we are able to produce.”
The Under the Assistant of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed, “the importance of the olive tree, which is a part of the Muslim faith and heritage, and the customs and traditions of Palestine.” He said that this year's harvest is expected to produce 35,000 tons of oil. “The surplus will reach 15,000 tons without proper access to outside markets and the Israeli Wall and settlements, and burning vast tracts of land and preventing farmers from reaching their own will add to the loss.”
The Mayor of Deir Al Ghusun said that the town is living a nightmare. He recounted numerous attempts to obtain permits from the Israeli government that is in full occupation of this West Bank area, the inconsistent behavior of Israeli soldiers operating the gates in the Wall, and the devastating economic situation, calling for international support. Several farmers returned from their fields early as the gates close at 4 pm and briefed the delegation before hosting a lunch.
A well-informed source told PNN Tuesday that the World Food Program intends to purchase a major quantity of local olive oil in recognition of the suffering and the need.