The illegitimacy of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and the need for settlers to leave Hebron’s Old City were among issues discussed by Hebron Mayor Dr. Dauod Zatari and Mayor of Derby Councillor Fareed Hussain. Councillor Hussain was accompanied by a delegation representing his city’s Council as well as members from the Labor party. The meeting was also attended by members from Hebron’s Municipal Council.
After welcoming the delegation, Dr. Zatari spoke about political and security conditions in the city, daily Palestinian suffering due to Israeli occupation and settler practices 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. He recalled the massacre committed in Al Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994 by an Israeli army doctor who opened fire inside the Mosque, killing 29 worshippers in the middle of the Holy month of Ramadan. This led to the closing down of Al Shuhada Street and to the unjust division of Al Ibrahimi mosque, he said.
Mayor Zatari also spoke about the role played by various European institutions in supporting Palestinians, defending their rights and confronting Israeli settlement policies aimed at preventing the creation of a Palestinian State and the two-state solution. “Israel continues to seize Palestinian homes in Hebron. Homes in the Old City are being invaded and their inhabitants expropriated”, he added. Dr. Zatari also raised the issue of the peace process and how the Palestinian leadership, chaired by President Abbas, is seeking a just and comprehensive peace and is trying to end occupation through negotiations and the peace process. However, the reality on the ground shows that Israel is not serious and lacks the real desire to achieve peace. He also called the visiting delegation to support Hebron Municipality’s efforts to inscribe Hebron on Unesco’s World Heritage List in order to safeguard its heritage and prevent its alteration by the Israeli occupation.
Councillor Hussain said he sympathized with Palestinians and their just cause. He underlined the right of Palestinians to build their State, end occupation and live in freedom. “Freedom of people and societies is a right guaranteed by international treaties. This freedom must be achieved in Palestine as Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Freedom-loving people and anybody with a conscious should support rights guaranteed by international laws”, he said, adding that he hoped that peace and justice would prevail in the Middle East and that the Arab-Israeli conflict would end. Symbolic gifts were exchanged between the two delegations.
Delegation members then toured the Old City where they visited Al Ibrahimi Mosque and areas adjacent to settlements in order to get a first-hand view of the reality on the ground and of Palestinian suffering.