EU Consuls informed about conditions in Hebron

Osaily took the floor to thank the EU for its efforts to provide both political and financial support to Palestinians and to their leadership. He spoke about measures taken as well as sympathy and support shown by Great Britain, Germany and France towards Palestinians, especially by opposing the latest US veto.

Osaily then made a detailed presentation on political and economic conditions in Hebron Governorate, in which he spoke about the Old City, the consequences of the continuous closure of shops by the Israeli occupation as well as about checkpoints and the harassment of visitors and inhabitants alike. He also touched on efforts made to revive the Old City by local institutions as well as support by the Palestinian government which has had a great positive impact, namely by ensuring a gradual return of Palestinians to the Old City. Osaily also underlined the importance of the project for the inscription of the Old City on Unesco’s World Heritage List, efforts made to start new projects and the positive impact they will have on the daily life of inhabitants. “Such projects prove that Palestinians are capable of many achievements if given a proper chance”, Osaily added.

Hebron Governor Hamid spoke about security, safety and stability achievements in the city through strengthening the rule of law in the local community. “The Palestinian leadership wants to achieve peace in the region, however, the de-facto situation which Israel is trying to impose undermines all efforts to return to the table of negotiations and aborts efforts including those made by the EU to resume talks with a view to achieving a just and comprehensive peace”, he said.

Both Osaily and Hamid called on EU States to enhance their political support and to adopt stances that reflect their weight on the international scene. They also urged them to exert pressure on the Israeli government to facilitate the free movement of Palestinians in general and of Hebronites in particular, as well as to discuss issues relating to the Old City, help its inhabitants and pressure Israel to remove checkpoints and barriers and to facilitate the life of inhabitants.

At the end of the meeting, the head of the EU Consuls’ delegation thanked Mayor Osaily for the information and statistics he provided. He also lauded Osaily’s efforts to develop the city as well as services provided to its inhabitants and hoped to be able to provide the desired assistance to improve the life of Palestinians and to ensure security, economic development and stability with a view tobettering the future of Palestinians.