Israeli settlers cut hundreds of olive trees in the West Bank

Israeli extremist settlers have cut hundreds of olive trees in land cultivated by Palestinians in the West Bank, say Palestinian villagers in testimonies that were confirmed by Israeli sources.

Inhabitants of the Saouia village who went to reap olives found that hundreds of olive trees trunks had been cut. In the village of Hawara, near Naplus, farmers also found that hundreds of olive trees had been destroyed.

Member of the opposition labor party, Ephraim Sneh, told the Israeli radio he referred the issue to the foreign and defense committee of the parliament.

In October 2002, Israeli settlers waged a fierce campaign to intimidate and harass Palestinian farmers while groups of Israeli pacifists held support actions.