On Monday the 26th of August 2013 Dr. Daoud Zatari mayor of Hebron, met a senior-level academic delegation that includes professors and diplomats from a number of European countries and the United States accompanied by representatives of the Dar al-Kalima Foundation. The delegation came to see the real political and living situation in Hebron.
Dr. Zatari expressed his interest in the delegations’ visit to the city of Hebron to view the difficulties that Palestinians face due to the policies of the Israeli occupation and the continuation of building settlements on Palestinian land.
Dr. Zatari explained about the history of the city of Hebron and its economic significance illustrating the past eras that the city lived through. The Mayor also illustrated the political and humanitarian conditions citizens suffered from since the beginning of the Israeli occupation until today, accompanied by continuous violations of human rights and restriction of movement.
In addition, the Mayor stated that all Palestinian parties in the society looks to peace as a strategic solution for the establishment of a Palestinian state with full sovereignty and a way to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinians that is approved by all international conventions and UN resolutions.
He also illustrated that Israel is trying to promote to the public that there is no genuine partner for peace, despite the fact that is has become evident and clear that the Palestinian leadership, headed by President Mahmoud Abbas are working hard to achieve peace. Moreover, peace is only way to liberation and the establishment of a Palestinian State internationally.
Academically, it was illustrated by the mayor that the education in Palestinian Universities are sophisticated and advanced, and there are programs, policies and strategies that develop generations that are able to compete with graduates of other universities in the world. In addition, investing in the human sector helps achieve balanced development and sustainable development in Palestine
Dr. Zatari suggested that the delegation communicate and cooperate with Palestinian academics in the field of research and development to help them by their academic and technical expertise to help support the process of development in Palestine. Furthermore, the Mayor requested the delegates to provide all forms of support that helps support the just cause of the Palestinian people.
On contrary, discussion was open to the members of the delegation, who have expressed their happiness to visit the city of Hebron and the municipality. Furthermore, the delegates expressed their sympathy with the cause of the Palestinian people and their calls to bring peace and freedom after seeing the reality of the situation of Palestinians in light of the continued occupation and settlement personally and closely.
after the exchange of gifts The delegation then left to a field visit that included the old town and the area around the Abraham Mosque and were shown the reality of Israeli security measures posed, the presence of settlers in the heart of the old town and the violations of the most basic rights recognized by international conventions and norms.