**Destruction of Olive Trees Highlights Struggles in Al Mughayyir** The town of Al Mughayyir in the West Bank has become a focal point in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian statehood. The recent destruction of thousands of olive trees has left residents grappling with the loss of their primary source of livelihood. Once home to approximately 10,000 olive trees, the fields on the eastern side of Al Mughayyir now lie barren. In late August, Israeli settlers and soldiers uprooted these trees during a four-day siege, marking a significant escalation in tensions in the area. Marzouk Abu Naim, the town's deputy mayor, expressed the emotional toll on residents, stating, "People are saying, 'All my source of livelihood is gone.' They began crying over the olive trees, and saying, 'I have nothing left for me here.'" The destruction of the olive groves has left many residents with only splintered trunks and dried branches as reminders of their lost heritage. Abu Naim emphasized the cultural significance of the olive tree, saying, "The olive is our symbol, so they want to cut our history." Al Mughayyir, located northeast of Ramallah, is surrounded by Israeli settlements and outposts. These settlements are deemed illegal under international law, yet they continue to expand with the support of the Israeli government. The town, home to about 3,500 people, has faced increasing violence from settlers, including livestock theft, land seizures, and direct attacks on residents. The situation has worsened since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Abu Naim noted that settlers have received both tacit and explicit support from the Israeli military, leading to heightened fears among the local population. A nearby kindergarten, which once had over 130 students, now has just over 40 due to the violence and intimidation from settlers. Residents have reported incidents of violence, including shootings and harassment. One local man, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his concerns about his children's safety, stating he could not allow them to play outside due to the risk of being targeted. In August, tensions escalated dramatically when the Israeli military conducted a siege on Al Mughayyir. Following an alleged attack on settlers by a gunman from the town, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) blocked exits and entered the village. The IDF later ordered the removal of 3,000 olive trees, claiming it was a security measure to improve visibility along the Alon Highway. Major General Avi Bluth, head of the IDF Central Command, stated that the clearing was necessary to prevent a life-threatening situation. However, this action drew criticism from human rights organizations, which accused the military of committing war crimes. The IDF maintained its support for Bluth, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the military's actions. During the siege, residents faced severe restrictions. Ambulances were denied access, and a woman in labor was reportedly targeted with tear gas. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that several residents were injured, and 14 Palestinians were detained during the military operation. The destruction of the olive trees continued beyond the military's orders, with settlers reportedly uprooting an additional 7,000 trees. Abu Naim questioned the motives behind the destruction, stating, "Why did they cut [trees] here? Why destroy them? These people rely only on agriculture, on the olives and sheep." Nearby, the settlement of Shilo has been linked to the violence against Al Mughayyir residents. Some Shilo residents, like Yisrael Medad, have distanced themselves from the violent actions of others, expressing a desire for a more rational approach to the conflict. Medad stated, "I feel it's so unfortunate … because I don't want Jews to be acting illegally or extreme." However, he also described Al Mughayyir as a "terror village," reflecting the complex and contentious nature of the conflict. In contrast, Abu Naim firmly rejected this characterization, asserting, "We have never killed a settler, we have not killed a settler." The ongoing violence and destruction in Al Mughayyir underscore the broader challenges facing Palestinians in their pursuit of statehood, as the international community continues to grapple with the implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.