UN condemns Israeli settlers attacks on Palestinian farms

The United Nations on Sunday condemned recent reports that Israeli settlers have repeatedly attacked Palestinian farmers in the West Bank, destroying hundreds of olive trees at the height of the harvest season. "These acts are reprehensible and I call on the Government of Israel to bring those responsible to justice," United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said. "Israel must live up to its commitments under international law to protect Palestinians and their property in the occupied territory so that the olive harvest   a crucial component of Palestinian livelihoods and the Palestinian economy   can proceed unhindered and in peace," he said. In a briefing to the Security Council last month, Serry had warned that the lack of progress between Israelis and Palestinians on the political track and the continuing conflict and occupation was putting at risk the viability of the two-State solution.