The President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), Abdul Karim az-Zubeidi, briefed the new Consul General of Italy, Domenico Bellato, about the situation of local government units (LGUs) following Israel’s aggression, which has continued for almost six months now, highlighting consequences on Palestinian communities in general and local government sector in particular. Az-Zubeidi made clear that Palestinian LGUs strove to maintain service provision, repair damages, and promote citizens’ perseverance on their land.
Meeting with Bellato at the APLA offices in Ramallah, Az-Zubeidi commended Italy’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause, expressing hope that Italy would step up its efforts, exercise pressure, and take a decisive position to stop the aggression against Palestinians, lift the siege on Gaza, and support political solutions that ensure the Palestinian right to freedom and stability.
The Italian Consul commended the role played by Palestinian LGUs under complex political, security and economic conditions. Applauding the deep relationship between APLA and Italian counterparts and partners, Bellato confirmed that the Italian Consulate General would continue to support and promote collaboration, engage in broader relations, and implement development projects to support Palestinian communities to cope with critical issues.
Both parties discussed ways to enhance joint action in the context of expanding the Local Authorities Network for Sustainable Development, scaling up relations between Palestinian LGUs and Italian counterparts, building new partnerships, and mobilizing funds to implement projects in support of communities in marginalized areas.