A delegation chaired by Mr. SCHULZ Martin, European MP and President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament visited Hebron on 5 November in order to get better acquainted with political, economic and living conditions in the city as well as with Israeli violations against its inhabitants.

Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily welcomed the delegation at Hebron Municipality and thanked its members for their show of solidarity with Hebron. He spoke about Israeli violations, conditions in the Old City and Israeli attempts to transform it into a city of ghosts so that settlements can expand and Palestinian inhabitants are uprooted. “Hebron inhabitants want to live a normal life like all other people in the world. They aspire to a decent life as well as to freedom, security and stability which they do not enjoy because of the Israeli occupation and settlers. All visitors who tour the city’s markets and neighborhoods are appalled by the suffering of Old City inhabitants which is evident everywhere. The free world must immediately implement Human Rights conventions and international treaties that call for the protection of civilians and for their right to freedom, dignity, security and stability. World powers must use their influence to pressure Israel to respect international resolutions, resume the peace process, put an end to settlement expansion and refrain from any action that would further stall peace. Israel must understand that it is not above the law and that it has to abide by UN resolutions”, Osaily said. Osaily also underlined the importance of ensuring a normal life for Palestinians and of providing support to vital projects in the Palestinian Territory. He spoke about achievements realized in the past few years and highlighted the desire of the Palestinian people to build their State and Governorates despite all obstacles imposed by occupation policies.

Mr. SCHULZ highlighted his delegation’s solidarity with Palestinians as well as efforts made to support Palestinian rights and stir the world public opinion so that Palestinians are protected and their endeavors to build a Palestinian State and to end the last occupation on earth are supported.

The delegation then toured the Old City, Al Ibrahimi Mosque and friction zones between settler outposts and Palestinian homes. Delegation members also visited several projects executed by Hebron Municipality including the Childhood Happiness Center, Al Hussein International Stadium and the Indoor Sports Hall.