Palestine News Today: UK and US Volunteers Detained as West Bank Olive Harvest Turns Violent
22 October 2026. Today's coverage centres on a dramatic escalation of settler and military violence against Palestinian olive farmers in the West Bank, with British volunteers among dozens detained, while Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens despite the ceasefire. Solidarity campaigns continue to grow worldwide, from literary circles in the UK to mass protests across Latin America.
British volunteers among 80 detained at West Bank olive harvest
The Guardian reports that Israeli forces detained around 80 US, Israeli and British volunteers who were helping Palestinians harvest olives near Nahalin, close to Bethlehem. Those held and taken to a police station included New York Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander, several rabbis and Israel's former deputy attorney general. The detentions come amid a wider pattern of attacks on the harvest documented by UN News, which described an 'ominous start' to this year's season marked by live ammunition, arson and the destruction of centuries-old olive trees.
Sources: The Guardian, UN News
Authors and artists back Sally Rooney over UK book restrictions
Hundreds of authors, actors and musicians have signed an open letter in support of Irish author Sally Rooney and her publisher Faber, according to Middle East Monitor. The letter calls for an amendment to UK legislation that has prevented the sale of her books, in a case tied to her pro-Palestinian advocacy. The campaign reflects a growing cultural solidarity movement pushing back against restrictions linked to Palestine activism.
Sources: Middle East Monitor
Olive farmers face scores of attacks across West Bank in single day
Anadolu Agency reports that Israeli forces and settlers carried out 23 attacks on Palestinian olive farmers across seven governorates of the West Bank in just 12 hours, including shootings, arrests, assaults and the destruction of farmland. Mondoweiss reports that settlers are blocking, assaulting and robbing harvesters, with around 100,000 Palestinian families who depend on the olive harvest for income fearing the season may not survive. UN News corroborates this pattern, citing arson and the destruction of ancient olive trees as the harvest opens.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Mondoweiss, UN News
US photojournalist describes Palestinian rescue during settler attack
The Guardian reports that Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was seriously injured by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, has described how local Palestinians formed a protective shield to help save her during the assault. Levine sustained four fractured vertebrae, two broken ribs and four puncture wounds, and says she intends to return to work in the West Bank despite the attack. Middle East Monitor notes the incident has drawn rare Western media attention to settler violence that Palestinians face routinely.
Sources: The Guardian, Middle East Monitor
Israeli strikes kill Palestinians in Gaza despite ceasefire
Anadolu Agency reports that Israeli drone strikes killed four Palestinians in Gaza, hitting an electric bicycle in Gaza City and an area north of Khan Younis, in violation of the ceasefire. Separately, Gaza's Education Ministry says six Palestinian students were killed in Israeli attacks over two days, with two schoolgirls wounded by gunfire at a school in northern Gaza. Democracy Now! also reported Israeli strikes killing seven Palestinians in Gaza.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency, Democracy Now!
Gaza hospitals threatened by fuel shortage as power runs low
Middle East Monitor reports that Gaza hospitals face the risk of power outages as generator oil supplies run out, threatening medical services across the territory. The report highlights how residents such as Ali Nattat are relying on solar panels to maintain basic internet connectivity amid the collapse of infrastructure. The fragile power situation underscores the scale of the humanitarian emergency facing Gaza's population.
Sources: Middle East Monitor, Middle East Monitor
Israel demolishes Jerusalem building housing dozens of Palestinians
Middle East Monitor reports that Israel has demolished a building near Qalandia that housed 35 Palestinians, according to the Jerusalem governorate. The demolition is part of a continuing pattern of home destructions in East Jerusalem affecting Palestinian families.
Sources: Middle East Monitor
Qatar and France press for Gaza ceasefire implementation and settlement end
Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera report that Qatar and France issued a joint statement calling for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to West Bank settlement policies. The statement also urged implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney separately said many parties bear responsibility for problems in Palestine following the postponement of Palestinian elections, while reaffirming Canada's support for free and fair elections and continued Gaza aid.
Sources: Anadolu Agency, Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency
Pro-Palestine protests and sport continue amid Gaza devastation
Middle East Monitor reports that demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine have swept across Latin America as Brazil's presidential race intensifies. In Gaza, Anadolu Agency reports that women and girls have resumed boxing training in a tent despite the devastation, while Middle East Monitor reports that Gaza's Karate Federation has revived training for 1,000 athletes despite the war and blockade.
Sources: Middle East Monitor, Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor
Palestine News is published every day on Free Palestine Store. Each item recaps reporting from the named outlets in our own words; follow the source links for full coverage.
