Jordan's ancient olive harvest is severely impacted by record-breaking heat and drought, leading to a 70% decline in production, threatening the country's agricultural sector and traditional way of life.
Scientists have found that extracts from carob leaves and pomegranate husks can help protect olive trees from the damaging disease anthracnose by inhibiting fungal growth and activating the plant's natural defenses, offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to traditional fungicides.
Israel destroyed 10,000 olive trees in the Palestinian village of Mughayyir as a punitive measure following an attack on settlers, severely impacting local livelihoods and escalating tensions in the West Bank amidst ongoing settlement expansion and violence.
The Israeli military has uprooted approximately 3,000 olive trees in al-Mughayyir, West Bank, citing security concerns, amid ongoing violence and displacement of Palestinians, with critics viewing it as part of a broader effort to seize land and displace residents. The destruction highlights the continued conflict and land disputes in the region.
Over 5,000 trees, mostly olive trees, have been vandalized in Palestinian villages in the West Bank in less than five months, according to data from the United Nations and local residents' reports. Palestinian farmers believe the vandals are Israeli Jews living in or visiting nearby settlements and outposts. The UN reports include other violent attacks by Israelis against Palestinians and their property, which in the first four months of 2023 numbered 352 incidents, including 95 cases of bodily harm.