Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Member of the PLO Executive Committee, and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, held a telephone conversation with Khaled Dudin, Governor of Hebron, to enquire about the situation in the governorate and receive an update on the latest developments on the ground and the humanitarian situation.
The call comes amid a dangerous escalation in Israeli occupation crimes and a large-scale military offensive that has been ongoing for several days. The aggression has involved the forced displacement of hundreds of Palestinian families from their homes, the demolition of homes and other structures, widespread raids and arrests, and the closure of entrances to the city, towns and villages, alongside severe restrictions on freedom of movement. These measures have been compounded by settler attacks and land seizures, as part of a broader policy aimed at displacing Palestinians and extending control over further Palestinian land.
During the call, Khouri was briefed on the conditions and hardships facing residents in the affected areas. He reaffirmed his unwavering support for the people of Hebron as they endure these difficult circumstances and commended the efforts of the governorate and its institutions to monitor developments, address residents’ needs and assist affected families.
Khouri highlighted Hebron’s distinctive national, economic and social significance, emphasizing the strength of its national institutions and the vital role played by the Hebron Chamber of Commerce, municipalities and various community institutions. He also underscored the governorate’s cohesive social fabric and deeply rooted spirit of mutual support and collective responsibility, stressing that these strengths remain fundamental pillars of resilience for its people in the face of ongoing challenges and repeated attacks.
Khouri concluded by underscoring the urgent need for the international community to act to halt these crimes, ensure protection for the Palestinian people, hold the occupying power accountable for its violations, bring the occupation to an end, and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate national rights.
