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<font size=3>United Nations delegation witnesses Israeli devastation of
Palestinian olive harvest<br>
<a href="http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=892&Itemid=1" eudora="autourl">
http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=892&Itemid=1<br>
<br>
</a>(Tulkarem) Palestine News Network <br>
Tuesday, 31 October 2006 <br><br>
The World Food Program, in cooperation with the United Nations
Humanitarian Coordination Office, sponsored a tour of Deir Al Ghusun and
its agricultural lands Tuesday in honor of the olive harvest and all that
it entails under occupation. <br><br>
The northwestern West Bank's Tulkarem District town is in the midst of
the olive harvest season, as so many Palestinian agricultural lands are.
Today's tour included employees of UN branches and media organizations
investigating Palestinian farmers' conditions this year. <br><br>
The Director of the World Food Program joined Tulkarem's Governor,
Tulkarem City's Mayor, the Coordinator of the National Committee against
the Wall, a large number of farmers and citizens, and the Under Assistant
in the Ministry of Agriculture, also walked through agricultural
lands north of Tulkarem. <br><br>
The Governor explained how the Israeli-built Wall is causing a great deal
of difficulty for farmers as it has swallowed vast areas of agricultural
land planted with vegetables and olives. He said that the Wall
contravenes international law and public opinion and asked that the
Israeli government realize that it does not bring security to anyone,
instead only suffering to the occupied Palestinian people. Governor
Dweikat said, “As long as there is occupation, there is no security.”
<br><br>
He continued, “We call upon all countries of the world to stand up for
the Palestinian farmer who has lost his land altogether or who cannot
access it. We also ask that you buy the Palestinian olive oil that we are
able to produce.” <br><br>
The Under the Assistant of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed, “the
importance of the olive tree, which is a part of the Muslim faith and
heritage, and the customs and traditions of Palestine.” He said that this
year's harvest is expected to produce 35,000 tons of oil. “The surplus
will reach 15,000 tons without proper access to outside markets and the
Israeli Wall and settlements, and burning vast tracts of land and
preventing farmers from reaching their own will add to the loss.”<br>
The Mayor of Deir Al Ghusun said that the town is living a nightmare. He
recounted numerous attempts to obtain permits from the Israeli government
that is in full occupation of this West Bank area, the inconsistent
behavior of Israeli soldiers operating the gates in the Wall, and the
devastating economic situation, calling for international support.
Several farmers returned from their fields early as the gates close at 4
pm and briefed the delegation before hosting a lunch. <br><br>
A well-informed source told PNN Tuesday that the World Food Program
intends to purchase a major quantity of local olive oil in recognition of
the suffering and the need.<br><br>
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