At the Clima-Med Steering Committee meeting held in Tunisia, Abdul Karim az-Zubeidi, President of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), stressed the strategic importance of integrating this ambitious programme into APLA plans. Az-Zubeidi was pleased that APLA joined the Clima-Med National Coordination Team and Covenant of Mayors for the Mediterranean (CoM Med), affirming that this step would pave the way for over 160 Palestinian local government units (LGUs) to accede to this programme and be active in environmental issues.
Az-Zubeidi highlighted the major challenges facing Palestinian LGUs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, particularly in the current difficult circumstances which obstruct the implementation of climate change adaptation programmes. He expressed his regret about the situation in Gaza, which “has become inhabitable and non-climate-resilient.” In the West Bank, Israeli settlement activity poses a direct environmental threat, exacerbating environmental challenges and obstructing Palestinian municipality efforts to contribute to global climate programmes.
Az-Zubeidi affirmed that these challenges, albeit significant, would not prevent APLA from continuing to support Palestinian LGUs. Addressing climate change is a common responsibility. In spite of all challenges, Palestinian LGUs will spearhead efforts to achieve sustainable development and protect the environment.