Ramallah, West Bank — In the serene hills of the West Bank, 42-year-old Palestinian farmer Bilal Saleh was tending to his olive grove when he was tragically killed by an Israeli settler. The land, rich with olive trees he had planted himself, was a legacy inherited from his father and a testament to his dedication to farming.
His widow, Ikhlas Hamid Saleh, spoke softly amid the rustling leaves of the olive trees, “Bilal loved farming. He worked in the fields every day and planted all these olive trees. And that’s where he was killed. It was far from any Israeli settlement.”
The olive harvest season is a time of cultural and economic significance for Palestinian communities. However, it has often been marred by tensions and conflicts. The incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian farmers in accessing and working their lands amidst territorial disputes.
Ikhlas gazed toward the horizon, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and hope. “That we can live in safety like people in other countries,” she expressed. “No longer prevented from praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque, no longer prevented from traveling in our own country. I hope we can achieve peace and stability soon.”
The international community has frequently called for de-escalation and a return to dialogue in the region. Incidents like the death of Bilal Saleh underscore the urgent need for peaceful resolutions to long-standing conflicts.
As the sun set over the olive groves, casting long shadows over the land he cherished, Bilal’s legacy lives on through the trees he nurtured and the family he loved. The yearning for peace and security remains a common thread among those affected by the conflict, resonating with people around the world who hope for a harmonious future in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
