The Growing Challenges Facing Palestinians in the West Bank: A Closer Look
In recent months, the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank have become increasingly difficult and complex. The extensive Israeli military operations in northern cities like Jenin and Tulkarem, which began on January 21, 2024, are ongoing, forcing at least 40,000 people to flee their homes. The violence from Israeli settlers has escalated significantly, gaining momentum under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Movement restrictions imposed by the Israeli army are severely complicating matters for Palestinians, particularly those working in agriculture and related industries.
The economy of the West Bank, a territory recognized by the international community as belonging to the Palestinians but under illegal Israeli occupation for decades, heavily relies on agriculture. Before the hostilities escalated with the Gaza Strip conflict, approximately 80-90% of Palestinian workers found employment in the agricultural sector, which remains largely informal due to the absence of registered contracts.
After the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, work permits for over 200,000 Palestinians—primarily employed in industries, services, or as domestic helpers—were revoked. The economic fallout continued as more than 40% of small businesses in the West Bank had to reduce their workforce, leading to a staggering loss of 300,000 jobs. With limited work opportunities, agriculture has come to be seen as the only viable option for many.
The main agricultural product in the region is olives, with the trees—many several centuries old—occupying about 50% of arable land and generating more than 180 million euros in revenue for 2024. Other important crops include dates, apples, and grapes. However, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that between October 2023 and November 2024, there were 260 violent assaults by Israeli settlers against 89 Palestinian communities, resulting in the destruction of 52,300 trees—about 4% of the total trees in the West Bank.
Access to olive groves has also been restricted, particularly near Israeli settlements, where Palestinians require passage permits often denied by authorities. In 2023, around 110 square kilometers of olive groves remained uncultivated, and the situation worsened in 2024, with 35 square kilometers lying fallow. Reports of these restrictions and violations have been diligently documented by B'Tselem, an Israeli NGO focused on human rights within the occupied territories.
Wael Natheef, Secretary General of the Palestinian Federation of Trade Unions (PFTU) in Jericho, highlighted the profound impact of movement restrictions on farmers. During negotiations involving hostages exchanged between Israel and Hamas, access roads to Jericho were abruptly closed for several days, severely hindering the ability to transport agricultural products. Farmers who could not reach markets for perishable goods like tomatoes were left to face ruinous losses.
Natheef's account reflects a microcosm of larger agricultural challenges. Labor exploitation is rampant; Palestinians working in settlements are often paid meager wages of 25 to 30 euros for long shifts between 8 to 9 hours, with a pronounced preference among settlers for hiring women and minors to minimize conflict.
Water access is another pressing issue intricately tied to agricultural sustainability. Post-1967 regulations mandate that any development of wells or water structures in Palestinian territory requires Israeli army approval—a daunting barrier that has hindered access to essential water resources. Ali Sntrisi, another PFTU member, lamented, "Those permits never come. From wells that need maintenance or deeper drilling, no water reaches anymore. And without water, there is no life."
In addition to agriculture, Jericho's proximity to the Dead Sea makes it a significant tourist destination. Approximately 1,000 Palestinians are employed in the Mishor Adumim industrial zone, an Israeli settlement housing diverse companies, from food production to tech industries. However, working there requires Palestinians to possess a biometric card and a work permit. Even when these requirements are met, they must navigate unpredictable military checkpoints—sometimes facing lengthy waiting times or closed routes.
Since a violent incident in early February, the Tayasir checkpoint, which serves as a critical connection between the northern Jordan Valley and Tubas province, has been shut down, complicating logistics and prolonging travel times by at least 90 minutes.
Amidst these operational challenges, the frequency of violence from Israeli settlers has surged. OCHA recorded at least 1,860 incidents from October 7, 2023, to December 31, 2024, with reports of assaults, property destruction, and serious injuries among Palestinians. In the Masafer Yatta region, an area highlighted in the celebrated documentary 'No Other Land,' as many as 12 violent incidents have occurred within a short span from January to February 2025.
As Palestinians in the West Bank grapple with the compounded crises of violence, economic downturn, and agricultural strife, the need for international awareness and intervention becomes increasingly urgent.
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