The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) strongly condemns the heinous assault on the Qalqiliya Municipality. Armed individual attacked and shut down the municipal building with metal locks.
This act of aggression constitutes a blatant violation of the rule of law and prestige of local government units (LGUs) as elected service institutions. It poses a direct threat the security and stability of the city and population, risks aggravating community chaos, and undermines community safety at a time when we are in dire need maintain domestic stability and security.
APLA demands that all relevant authorities prosecute the outlaws, monitor the consequences of ongoing and recurrent attacks on LGUs, protect the mayors, councillors and executive staff of LGUs, ensure LGU free functioning without any interference, and safeguard citizens’ safety. APLA further proclaims itself entirely on the side of the Qalqiliya Municipality and city residents in the face of this assault.
APLA urges all citizens to uphold the right path, give precedence to the supreme national interest, and respect the rule of law in order to thwart any attempts to align with schemes of the Israeli occupying authorities. APLA emphasises that national immunity starts with individuals and ends up with the group.