A priest in the Palestinian Christian town of Taybeh is appealing for help after its olive groves were vandalised.

In a letter calling for prayers and published by the Catholic aid agency CAFOD, Fr Bashar Fawadleh said that Israeli settlers had been damaging and stealing olive trees causing many families to face serious difficulties accessing their land. He said the vandalism was "reducing a harvest that is essential for the livelihood of our community".

For generations olive groves have been an economic necessity and an important expression of identity and perseverance in the region. Fr Bashar wrote that this year “the losses have been particularly painful. Many families will produce far less olive oil than they need for their own households. Some who have spent their lives caring for these trees may now find themselves unable to rely on the fruits of their own land”.

He added that he was “deeply concerned” over the impact of the situation on families who are already facing significant challenges, because “every lost harvest places additional pressure on people striving to remain on their land and preserve their way of life”.

CAFOD’s Middle East Programme Officer Maya Street said this was not “an isolated occurrence” but part of an “increasing pattern of violence against Palestinians, and their land and heritage.

“Last month, the UK government drew attention to rampant ‘settler terrorism’ and settlement expansion in the West Bank. It announced a ban on settlement trade and further sanctions against violent settlers. Palestinians in Taybeh are urgently reminding us why this cannot wait.”

Appealing for the international community’s prayers, Fr Bashar urged all those “with influence and responsibility to support the protection of farmers, ensure safe access to agricultural land, and help prevent further damage”.

He said it would “remind the people of Taybeh that they are not forgotten and that they do not stand alone in these challenging times”.