On 15 August 2024, around 10:00 A.M., local residents noticed a fire in farmland belonging to Ibrahim ‘Abiyat (58) and Yusef ‘Abayat (37), where olive trees over 50 years old and almond trees grow. They saw a settler leaving the orchard. The fire spread quickly through the fields and fruit trees.
Family members and residents from the area arrived at the scene immediately and tried to put out the fire. At the same time, three military vehicles arrived, one of which was towing a small water trailer, and the soldiers helped put out the fire.
About 120 olive and almond trees were damaged.
After the incident, the army ordered the Palestinian residents to leave the area. On Sunday, 18 August 2024, Ibrahim ‘Abayat went to the Beitar police station to file a complaint about the arson, but the officers said they would not accept complaints on this matter and refused to let him enter the station.
A settler set up a tent near the orchard.
