Omar Karmi: Israeli troops block olive harvesting

Omar Karmi, The National, 11 October 2008

NI’LIN, WEST BANK // Some scrambled up the hill and out of range, eyes tearing, noses running, skin smarting. Others braved the soldiers and broke across the dirt track marking the route of what will become Israel’s separation barrier and to the olive fields below. Three were detained and two needed treatment for tear gas inhalation.

The Israeli army may claim to have devised a plan to ensure the peace during the olive harvest in the occupied West Bank, but in Ni’lin, on Friday, it was business as usual as about 100 Palestinian, Israeli and international peace activists, attempting to help local villagers gain access to their olive orchards, were eventually dispersed by Israeli soldiers firing tear gas and sound bombs.

“We have no choice, we have to confront the Israeli army,” said Salah Hawaja, 40, the co-ordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in Ni’lin. “It is only through such non-violent resistance, supported by internationals and Israelis, that we can defeat the occupation.”

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Mass olive-harvest in village Ni’I’lin – 10-10-08