This article was originally published by Ma'an News and is republished with permission.

A Palestinian policeman picks olives near Jenin. (Maan Images)

Palestinian police in a number of West Bank towns - including Bethlehem, Jenin and Tubas - are sending their forces to help Palestinian farmers harvest olives, as the traditional harvest season moves into full swing.

According to PA sources, 1,100 Palestinian police officers are being deployed into fields throughout the West Bank to strengthen relations with farmers and to protect them from possible harm.

The olive harvest has been disrupted almost daily this year by attacks from Israeli settlers and restrictions on movement imposed by Israeli soldiers, who have harassed and sometimes assaulted Palestinian farmers on their land.

Palestinian sources have reported an increase in settler attacks on Palestinian farmers since the beginning of this year's olive harvest, which kicked off in early October.

Palestinians traditionally harvest their olives - one of the West Bank's most important crops, and a source of livelihood for thousands of Palestinian families - once a year, usually starting in late September or early October.

Additional reporting by the Institute for Middle East Understanding.

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