Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Elma Okic
October 13, 2025 Peace and security
Ramallah, located in the occupied Palestinian territory on the West Bank, is a bustling urban center surrounded by barriers and checkpoints that define every aspect of residents' lives. Speaking at the UN Forum of Mayors in Geneva, Ramallah Mayor Issa Kassis noted that the challenges facing city authorities are exacerbated by conflict and occupation.
For Cassis, housing isn't a privilege, but a matter of survival. "We resist," he says, "simply by remaining on our land. Occupation isn't just tanks and soldiers. It restricts not only your movement, but also your thoughts, plans, aspirations, and your vision of the future."
Providing basic services under occupation is also more difficult: "Our wells are located in Area C of the West Bank, where Israeli security is controlled. Israeli settlements are also located there, and settlers are attacking these water sources, undermining efforts to provide water, which is already among the lowest per capita in the world. Meanwhile, settlers enjoy their swimming pools."
To adapt, Ramallah is investing in wastewater treatment and irrigation projects, using recycled water to create green spaces. "When you see greenery, you see hope. And when you see hope, you strive for it," says the mayor.
Photo by UN
Cultivating resilience
The cost of occupation is measured not primarily in barriers and shortages, but in lost lives. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, more than 200 of them children.
Local residents are constantly under pressure, especially for families with children. "We are a young society," explains Kassis. "More than 65 percent of Ramallah residents are under 40. Half of them are teenagers or children." He says parents want their children to live freely and enjoy life, but they constantly fear harassment and arbitrary arrests.
"Thousands of people are behind bars. Every day, people are detained without a court order and held for six months, with the possibility of extension. The goal is to crush our spirit," the mayor believes. Nevertheless, he emphasizes, resilience remains: "Look at Gaza. Look at the smiling children. For me, that's resilience. These people choose life, no matter what."
Cassis believes that resilience must be nurtured from childhood – through education, green spaces, and fostering pride in one's land. "We've built this through years of hard work and raising our children to appreciate life, the beauty of the city, love the land, and feel a sense of belonging. It's part of our DNA in the municipality," he notes.
Photo by UN
The way forward
The UN supports a two-state solution as the basis for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security. Key issues that remain to be resolved include borders, settlements, the status of Jerusalem, the refugee issue, and security arrangements.
Until that vision becomes reality, says Kassis, the people of Ramallah will continue to live in hope.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.