Ramallah Mayor Discusses Resilience and Life Under Occupation by Embracing Native Lands

Housing is viewed as a basic necessity and a matter of survival in Ramallah, according to Mayor Moussa Kassis. He emphasizes that resistance against occupation begins with simply existing on native land. Kassis highlights that the impact of occupation goes beyond military presence; it restricts people’s movement, aspirations, and thoughts.

Challenges of Occupation in Ramallah

The mayor reported that basic services, particularly water supply, suffer significantly due to occupation. The wells providing water are located in Area C of the West Bank, a region under Israeli control. These resources often come under attack from settlers, worsening the already low water supply per capita in the area.

• Water supply in the West Bank is critically low.
• Settlers enjoy increased access to resources, such as swimming pools.

In response, Ramallah has made significant investments in sustainable practices, including wastewater treatment and irrigation projects, utilizing recycled water to enhance green spaces within the city. Kassis states that visible greenery symbolizes hope, motivating residents to pursue a brighter future.

Impact of Violence on Vulnerable Populations

The cost of occupation is not only material but also deeply emotional, resulting in lives lost. As reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, with more than 200 being children.

Ramallah’s population is notably young, with over 65% of residents under the age of 40. Many families worry for their children’s safety amid fears of harassment and arbitrary detention. Kassis noted that unfair detentions are common in the region, often without court orders.

Resilience Amidst Adversity

Despite the hardships, Kassis believes in the resilience of the Palestinian people. He cites the spirit of children in Gaza as an example of enduring hope. According to him, nurturing this resilience requires grassroots efforts through education, green spaces, and cultivating a connection to one’s native land.

• Create educational programs that foster a love for life and nature.
• Establish green spaces that enhance community well-being.
• Build a sense of belonging through cultural and historical appreciation.

Kassis asserts that the initiatives undertaken by the municipality aim to instill pride in the land among the younger generation. The goal is to ensure that they cherish their surroundings and grow up loving their native land.

Future Aspirations

The mayor acknowledges the international community’s support for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, several key issues remain unresolved, such as borders, settlements, the status of Jerusalem, and security arrangements. Until a resolution is achieved, the people of Ramallah will continue to hold onto hope.

Kassis emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope for the future, building one home, one family, and one tree at a time, reflecting the deep resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of occupation.