Deputy Consul General: The UK is a friend of the people of Hebron
Team from the British Consulate visited Hebron in a continuous effort to reach out to Palestinian communities across the OPTs
The team with Hebron University Students
A team from the British Consulate General in Jerusalem, headed by Deputy Consul General Benjamin Saoul, visited Hebron today as part of continuous efforts to reach out to Palestinian communities across the OPTs and see firsthand the situation on the ground.
At the start of the visit, the team met separately with the Governor of Hebron Mr Kamel Hmeid and the Mayor Dr Dahoud Za’tari. The two briefed the Consulate team on the current political and economic situation in Hebron. The team expressed their understanding and support to the people of Hebron in the face of daily difficulties. The team underlined Britain’s longstanding opposition to settlements which are illegal under international law.
They also discussed potential opportunities to further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties with the city.
Additionally, the team visited Hebron University where they met the Chairman of Board of Trustees Dr Nabeel Al Jaabri. In a round of Q & A with students, Mr Saoul answered questions about the British Government’s policy and efforts to help bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, living alongside a secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. In return, the students inquired about educational opportunities in the UK and shared their hopes and aspirations for a better future.
At the end of the visit, Deputy Consul General Benjamin Saoul said:
Hebron is a hugely important city. It faces unique challenges. I salute the efforts of both the Governor and the Mayor to provide security and prosperity for their people in the face of continued illegal settlement activity. I was inspired by the students at Hebron University, who spoke passionately about their hopes for the future. Britain is a friend of the people of Hebron.