Khaled Osaily. خالد العسيلي رئيس بلدية الخيل السابق خالد العسيلي
Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily described the situation in Hebron as “extremely dangerous” due to Israel’s continuous policies aimed at altering Old City sites and Judaizing the Holy Al Ibrahimi Mosque, constant settler violations against Old City and adjacent areas’ residents, the closure of main roads and arteries in the city and disregard to the dignity of Palestinians and Moslem worshippers at Israeli army checkpoints around Al Ibrahimi Mosque under the pretext of “security”.
Osaily was speaking on the 9th of October at a meeting with a delegation from the Young Leaders Organization comprising more than 40 personalities representing the Boards of major international companies and chaired by Omar Al Masri. The meeting, which took place at the Municipality’s Child Happiness Center, was held during the delegation’s visit to the OPT which aimed at getting better acquainted with political and economic conditions, showing solidarity with inhabitants, calling for an end to occupation and supporting Palestinian national rights.
Osaily also spoke about economic conditions in the OPT in general and in Hebron in particular, the slowing economy due to closures, roadblocks separating Palestinian cities, towns and villages as well as restrictions on Palestinian exports imposed by occupation authorities.
Speaking about services, Osaily said Hebron Municipality focuses on projects targeting youths in order to enhance their capacities and enable them to develop and improve their intellectual, scientific and cultural skills. In parallel with providing support to youths, we work to develop all sectors in the city, mainly its infrastructure, electricity and sewage networks as well as roads and sports facilities. Such projects need great support and huge budgets. President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad provide part of that funding while Arab and foreign donors provide another part and Hebron Municipality funds some other projects. We are currently doing our best to provide funds for a variety of planned projects.
In reply to questions raised, Osaily added: “Calls for peace in Israel are currently non-existent or too shy. We only hear calls for more settlements, more expropriation of Palestinian land and more violations of Palestinian national rights. On the other hand, the Palestinian and Arab leadership constantly speaks about the peace process and calls for a comprehensive and just peace in the region that would guarantee a secure and stable life for all its peoples”.
Delegation members supported the right of Palestinians to end occupation, build a Palestinian State and implement international resolutions. They said they shall convey a true picture of the situation in the OPT to their governments and peoples. They also admired developments in Hebron despite difficulties faced by its service-providing institutions.
