Palestinian olive farmers ordered to uproot trees in Deir Istiya

Bounded by citrus groves and nestled deep in the fertile valley of Wadi Qana, thousands of olive trees in Deir Istiya have been growing for years on either side of a meandering stream. Overlooking it, seven Israeli settlements have expanded on the surrounding hills. Located in Area C of the occupied West Bank, the Israeli Civil Administration (ICA) has declared the valley a closed nature reserve, issuing orders to farmers on 27 August to uproot 180 olive trees by 2 September.