Jerusalem: Illegal Israeli settlers damaged about 40 olive trees Sunday in the town of Mukhmas, northeast of East Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, according to local authorities.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Jerusalem Governorate stated that illegal settlers raided the al-Hayy area of Mukhmas and cut down roughly 40 olive trees owned by a Palestinian resident. The governorate noted that this incident is part of a continuing pattern of violence targeting Palestinians and their land. This attack followed the Israeli army's demolition of a park and playground in the town, a move seen as an attempt to assert control over the area.

The statement further highlighted that illegal settlers have recently established an outpost near Mukhmas, which has become a gathering point for attacks on local farmers and agricultural land. This development has heightened tensions and increased incidents of violence in the region.

The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, an official body, reported that illegal Israeli settlers carried out 621 attacks against Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank during November. This alarming figure underscores the ongoing conflict and its impact on local communities.

Palestinian figures indicate that Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed at least 1,093 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since October 2023. In addition, nearly 11,000 have been injured, and around 21,000 detained, highlighting the severe human toll of the conflict.

Last July, the International Court of Justice delivered a significant opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, calling for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This legal stance adds an international dimension to the ongoing debate and conflict over the region.