UN urges Israel to protect Palestinian olive farmers from settler violence

The UN is supporting Palestinian farmers and olive pickers ahead of the olive harvest season, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has said, reiterating calls for Israel to protect civilians from settler violence. Dujarric said humanitarian partners had identified areas where protection efforts were needed to allow farmers to harvest their crops safely and on time. Partners were seeking flexible funding to respond to the needs of affected Palestinian communities, he said. Asked about settler violence in the occupied West Bank, Dujarric said the UN had been clear in condemning attacks by Israeli settlers. He said the Israeli government and security forces were obliged to protect the civilian population, including Palestinians, and ensure that everyone involved in violence was held accountable. Report by Reuters