The Mayor of Hebron, Dr. Daoud Zatari, received a high level delegation of five Mayors of Italian Cities. The delegation which was chaired by Pietro Putame, President of Union of Municipalities (Monte Contessa) in Italy, visited Hebron to get a first-hand view of the reality on the ground.

 

After welcoming the delegation, Dr. Zatari spoke about political and security conditions in the city, daily Palestinian suffering due to Israeli occupation 's violent practices under the pretext of protecting the settlers, as well as attempts to displace the local population and to increase settlement activity. He also touched on violations against Old City inhabitants which go against all international treaties and laws that call for the freedom of movement and worship, and spoke about the city's division into H1 and H2, and how that hampers the free movement of the inhabitants.

 

the Mayor Zatari underlined the deep ties between Hebron and many cities in Italy, and mentioned the twining agreements signed between Hebron Municipality and the municipalities of Genoa and Turin. He called the Italian Mayors to build cooperation with Hebron Municipality, and to promote joint projects with a view to develop the city's conditions.

 

Thereafter, Dr. Putame thanked Dr. Zatrai for the warm reception and hospitality, and expressed his happiness of visiting Hebron. He then proposed to enhance sharing experiences in culture, industry, trade and in agriculture that could ensure the mutual benefits on all parties.

 

The visiting delegation then made a tour at the Old City and visited Al-Ibrahimi Mosque.