Khaled Osaily. خالد العسيلي رئيس بلدية الخيل السابق خالد العسيلي
Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily briefed a delegation from the International Labour Office on political and economic conditions in Hebron, as well as on the consequences of the continuing occupation and settler presence in the city. The delegation, which is visiting Hebron with a view to preparing the annual ILO report on the situation of workers of the Occupied Arab Territories, comprised Mr. Frederic Tiller from the Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva and Mr. Mounir Qleibo, ILO representative in the Palestinian Territories, as well as an accompanying delegation.
At the beginning of the meeting, Osaily spoke about political conditions in Hebron, the city’s division into two parts, one of which remains under Israeli occupation, as well as the impact of closures and Israeli measures on economic conditions in Palestine and Hebron in general and in its Old City in particular. He also touched on checkpoints erected by occupation authorities in and around Hebron and its Old City, leading to tremendous suffering by Palestinians and having dire consequences on the Palestinian economy.
Speaking about the basis and criteria adopted by Hebron Municipality to develop the city, improve its economic conditions and provide employment opportunities, Osaily said that the Municipality has adopted a five-year plan aimed at developing all sectors simultaneously with special focus on youths. “The Municipality has implemented vital projects targeting the youth which constitute the largest category within the Palestinian society according to statistics. Hebron is one of the largest Palestinian cities from an economic, demographic and geographical point of view. Employment opportunities are big but are not sufficient to cover the increasing unemployment in the city”, he added.
Osaily also explained to the visiting delegation the huge technical and managerial leap made by the Municipality in a short period of time, especially in the ICT and GIS sections, both considered amongst the most developed and modern such sections in Palestinian Municipalities. He also spoke about the attention given by the Municipality to its staff and efforts made to enhance the level and quality of services provided to customers.
Mr. Tiller expressed his satisfaction over the services provided and vision adopted by Hebron Municipality as well as over its modernity and advanced managerial system. He underlined the importance of contacts and cooperation between the Municipality and ILO towards the implementation of a number of projects with a view to exchanging experiences and joint action.
