Israel Blocks European Delegation From Visiting West Bank Olive Harvest

The denied group included British MP Clive Lewis, Scottish National Party MP Lara Bird, and Spanish Senator Josu Estarrona Elizondo. They were scheduled to visit the Qamar al-Balad Farm in the village of Farkha, a site recently targeted by settlers who attempted to burn a poultry shed. Lara Bird described the denial of entry as part of a broader normalization of violence and blockades against Palestinians. According to the United Nations, at least 272 settler attacks have been recorded since September 1, a figure already surpassing the totals for the entirety of the previous two years.

This exclusion follows the detention of roughly 80 volunteers last week and reflects a hardening stance from the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. While Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly praised settlers during his current election campaign, his administration has simultaneously placed several UK politicians on a travel ban list in retaliation for trade policies regarding illegal settlements. Defense Minister Israel Katz has also pursued removal orders against activists attempting to protect agricultural workers. Observers suggest these measures aim to isolate the region and limit international scrutiny of military operations that have resulted in the displacement of nearly 4,000 Palestinians.