In the meeting with Francesco Bilancioni , TIPH's Deputy Head of Mission, Dr. Zatari called for resolving the water accumulation issue in Hebron's Old City as a result of the permanent closure of the Old City's entrances in addition to prevention of the Municipal staff from implementing developmental projects. The issue of installing an iron fence in the vicinity of the Israeli Outposts (Al-dabuia) near to the entrance of the Old City was among issues has been agreed upon with a view to protect the locals and the passers of Al-Shalalah  Street. The Discussion was also attended by members from the TIPH as well as Hebron's Municipal Council Members. 

 

Hebron Mayor, Dr. Daoud Zatari, underlined that Hebron Municipality exerts pressure on the Israeli Side, through the international intervention, to allow the municipal staff enhancing the Old City and to solve the issue of water accumulation. "Despite the approval from the Israeli Authorities on implementing the project, many obstructions were put to prevent Hebron Municipality to achieve its job, and it's worth mentioning that the project was obtained the finance form USAID" he added.

 

Dr. Zatari then thanked the TIPH for supporting developmental projects in Hebron aimed at enhancing the locals' living conditions. Also, he lauded the role played by the TIPH to facilitate implementing municipal services and to safeguard the Old City's inhabitants from the Settlers' practices.

 

On his part, Bilancioni expressed the TIPH's interest in solving the Old City's water issue, and expressed their readiness to make financial contribution to execute the project, calling the Israeli Side to permit executing developmental projects by Hebron Municipal Staff.