The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) participated in the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Council meeting, which brought together over 400 representatives of local government units (LGUs) and associations from 50 countries around the world. In this context, Eng. Abdallah Anati, APLA Executive Director, made a statement, denouncing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. Anati provided an overview of the tragic situation of the Gaza population as Israel has violated all international human rights conventions and treaties.
Anati demanded that LGUs representatives around the world put pressure on governments to immediately stop the aggression against Gaza and provide support to Gaza residents and institutions, particularly LGUs. LGU capacity needs to be strengthened to continue to provide services, repair damages, and rehabilitate networks as the war has destroyed infrastructure, streets, and all LGUs facilities and equipment.
The UCLG Middle East and West Asia Section (MEWA) called for creating a fund to support Palestinian LGUs in Gaza and exempt Palestinian municipalities of UCLG-MEWA membership fees. The UCLG also released an official statement, deploring Israel’s brutal war on Gaza and stressing the need for immediate step to put an end to the aggression, which causes further suffering and destruction to the Palestinian people in Gaza.