European Union Delegation of NGOs Visits University, Nablus, and its Refugee Camps

A Delegation from the European Coordination of Committees (ECCP) and Associations for Palestine visited the University, meeting with its Public Relations Department Director, Mr. Saed Abu Hijleh, who informed them of University developments and programs. Mr. Abu Hijleh also briefed the delegation on the students’ circumstances: their continuing endurance of difficult conditions and violated right to education due to the Israeli- imposed siege.

The Zajel Youth Exchange Program organized meetings in the city for delegation members, who are working to empower the relationship between the Palestinian civil society and European Union (EU) civil society associations.

Guests met the Palestinian Parliament Members, Mona Mansour and Daoud Abu Seir, who updated the delegates on the latest developments of the national dialogue and the negotiations to form a new government. Mansour and Abu Seir noted their appreciation of EU developments, and emphasized the importance of differentiating between American and European attitudes towards the Palestine question. Another meeting was held with Mayor Adli Yaish, who spoke about the extreme and harsh conditions citizens of Nablus face day and night. He spoke about the decline of the economy in the city that prevents inhabitants from affording the municipal taxes.

 
In addition to the Belgian Senator and ECCP president, the delegation comprised: Association Belgo-Palestinienne, from Belgium; Association France Palestine Solidarité; FIOM -Action for Peace, from Italy; Plateforme des ONG Françaises pour la Palestine, from France; Palestine Solidarity Campaign, from the UK; the Norwegian Association for Palestine; Palestinian Platform for Human Rights and Solidarity, from the Netherlands; and Campaigne Civile Internationale pour la Protection du Peuple Palestinien, from France.

The multi-country delegation also met with Nablus’ Governor, Mr. Kamal Alsheikh, who spoke about the current situation on the national level. He also analyzed the main reasons behind the recent announcement to form a national government. Al Sheik mentioned the obstacles that render this goal difficult to approach. Another meeting with Ghada Abdul Hadi was organized at the Hawwa Center for Culture and Arts, where Miss Abdul Hadi spoke about the impact of the most recently-imposed siege against Palestinian people. She highlighted the detrimental impact of this siege on Palestinian woman and on development projects. The Delegation had a tour in the city and its new Askar Refugee Camp, where they were informed of the latest developments on the ground as well as the refugees’ issues.

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