The Executive Director of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), Mr. Abdallah Anati, participated remotely in the launch of the Solidarity Week with Palestine, organized by Barcelona City Council (BCN), reaffirming the importance of international solidarity with the Palestinian people and of amplifying the voices of their local communities and the local authorities working to serve them under exceptionally challenging conditions.
Mr. Anati highlighted the significant connection between the challenges facing Palestinian local authorities and the broader political and humanitarian realities confronting the Palestinian people. The ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip has caused widespread destruction and immense human suffering, while restrictions on movement and access to land and resources across Palestinian areas continue to undermine daily life and constrain Local Government Units’ (LGUs) ability to plan for development, deliver essential services, and respond to their communities’ needs. He stressed that international solidarity must go beyond expressions of support and translate into concrete action to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and the LGUs, strengthen their capacity to fulfil their mandates, and ensure that their concerns and priorities are heard and addressed by the international community.
As part of Palestine Solidarity Week, APLA also announced the launch of a media campaign across its communication channels, bringing Palestinian cities and towns into focus through stories that reflect their cultural and historical heritage, economic and natural assets, and the distinctive character of their communities. The campaign highlights the role of LGUs in safeguarding Palestinian identity and heritage, improving public services, and advancing local development. It also pursues to raise international awareness of the challenges and constraints they face, advocate for their rights and needs, and foster international partnerships that support their communities and development priorities.
Palestine Solidarity Week is organized within the framework of the Catalan–Palestinian Cooperation Initiative, District 11: Palestinian Cities, implemented by APLA in partnership with the Barcelona Provincial Council (DIBA) and Barcelona City Council (BCN). Through cultural initiatives and exchanges, the activities highlight the identity and distinctive assets of Palestinian cities, as well as the determination of their communities to preserve their heritage and pursue local development despite the restrictions and challenges they face. It also seeks to strengthen connections between Palestinian and Catalan communities and advance solidarity, international advocacy, and municipal cooperation.
APLA’s participation reflects its continued commitment to representing Palestinian LGUs at the regional and international levels, defending their rights and interests, and ensuring that their challenges, needs, and priorities remain central to international dialogue and cooperation. Through these efforts, APLA works to strengthen international support for Palestinian LGUs and their ability to sustain essential services, serve their communities, and advance sustainable local development despite the constraints imposed on them.
