The President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), Mr. Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi, and APLA Executive Director, Mr. Abdallah Anati, participated in the launch program of the newly elected Local Government Councils for the 2026–2030 term in the governorates of Hebron and Bethlehem, with the participation of Deir Al-Balah Municipality. The event was held in Bethlehem and organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government.
The program was attended by H.E. Mohammad Taha Abu Aliya, Governor of Bethlehem Governorate; H.E. Khaled Doudin, Governor of Hebron Governorate; H.E. Dr. Sami Hijjawi, Minister of Local Governments in Palestine; H.E. Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism; in addition to Mayors and members of newly elected Local Government Councils in the southern governorates, as well as representatives of national and international partner institutions.
The program marks the beginning of a new phase in the work of elected Local Government Units (LGUs), as part of the Ministry of Local Government’s efforts to enhance the readiness of local councils, strengthen their institutional performance, and enable them to effectively carry out their responsibilities, contributing to improving the quality of services provided to citizens and advancing local development.
In his speech, APLA President Abdalkarim Al-Zubaidi highlighted that Palestine is facing an exceptional and critical phase that requires collective national efforts and innovative solutions to address the accumulated challenges facing Palestinian society and its institutions. He noted that LGUs are engaged every day in a struggle for resilience by continuing to provide essential services and maintain the stability of their communities despite the prevailing circumstances and imposed restrictions.
Al-Zubaidi added that Mayors and members of LGUs represent true examples of resilience in their cities and towns, calling on them to lead through crises, transform challenges into opportunities for action and development, and strengthen citizens’ trust in their local institutions. He reaffirmed that APLA will continue fulfilling its role as the elected national institution representing Palestinian LGUs by advocating for their interests and rights, strengthening their presence in national, regional, and international forums, and building partnerships that contribute to the advancement of the local governance sector.
He further emphasized that the local governance sector represents one of the fundamental pillars in building the Palestinian state, and that supporting and empowering LGUs is an investment in the resilience of Palestinian communities and their ability to continue development efforts. He stressed the importance of building strong and effective local institutions that create sustainable impact in serving citizens and strengthening the resilience of Palestinian cities and towns.
For his part, APLA Executive Director Mr. Abdallah Anati emphasized the importance of strengthening LGUs’ confidence in their own capacities and competencies, and working within their legally granted mandates to ensure effective and responsible performance. He stressed the need to uphold the institutional principles governing local councils, noting that the local governance sector is based on the rule of law and regulated by its legal framework.
Anati also highlighted that APLA will continue providing support and assistance to LGUs through technical expertise and specialized consultations, while strengthening international cooperation and partnerships that contribute to empowering LGUs to address challenges and fulfill their developmental and service-oriented roles. He further emphasized the importance of enhancing integration and cooperation between the central government and LGUs as key partners in developing the local governance sector and building Palestinian state institutions.
