Statement condemning arrest by Israeli forces of 80 non-violent volunteers protecting Palestinian olive harvest

State-backed settler terrorism in the West Bank is killing Palestinians and stealing their livelihoods. In response, Standing Together has joined the ‘Protect the Harvest’ initiative of international and Israeli volunteers working to non-violently obstruct and document settler terrorism during the Palestinian olive harvest. Today, Israeli forces arrested over 80 participants in Protect the Harvest, including at nine British nationals affiliated with PtH itself or PtH partners Standing Together, the Bereaved Families’ Forum and Na’amod.

The settler movement is co-ordinating with the state to displace Palestinians and block a two-state solution. The state funds and arms settler units in the army. Settlers who attack Palestinians almost invariably face no meaningful consequences. While Palestinians bear the brunt of settler terrorism and state oppression, the targeting of diplomats and journalists, international and Israeli volunteers, and even retired Israeli security officials further demonstrates the settlers’ impunity and influence. All organisations working for a just peace in Israel–Palestine must recognise and respond to these facts.

UK Friends of Standing Together will continue to raise funds, send volunteers and build political support in Britain for policy changes that can help to end the occupation.

Note for editors: Standing Together is the largest grassroots anti-occupation movement of Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel. UK Friends of Standing Together supports its work. Contact: press@ukfost.co.uk.

Updated at 19.20 22 October following receipt of further information about the number of arrestees and their affiliations.