RESTRICTION SUMMARY: Khan Younis, 03 October 2021. Volunteers help Palestinian farmers and families pick olives during the harvest season, in Khan Younis in the southern of Gaza Strip.

0.1 SOUNDBITE (in Arabic) Amjad Abu Hamda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Watan Youth Center.
0.2 SOUNDBITE (in Arabic) Mai Qudih, a volunteer.


STORYLINE:

The 2021 olive harvest season, was an exceptionally poor one in terms of oil yield.

Olive trees perform a crucial historical and cultural role in the Palestinian heritage and national identity. This strong identification between the olive tree and the Palestinian people is not only a reflection of the olive's unique economic and cultural status in this region but also an act of resistance to Israel.

Palestinians relate to the weather based on how it would benefit or harm the olives. There is well-known unspoken rule about treating olive trees with respect. There is a day off from work just to pick olives.

Olive oil is an essential part of so many dishes for Palestinians.

Olive harvest season, is considered one of the most important annual seasons for the people of the Gaza Strip, as the seaside territory has a large number of trees to cover a vast part of the population's oil and olive needs.

According to the Palestinian agriculture ministry official data, the local consumption of the olive oil in Gaza amounts to 4,000 tons a year.

Footage by Ashraf Amra/ APAwire