Nablus Today
Life in Nablus is not easy. People live under a repressive military occupation which restricts their lives.
Nablus Today
Today, although Nablus has some autonomy with a mayor and council elected by its inhabitants, Nablus is still a city living under military occupation.
The Israeli army launches regular raids, invading the city, its refugee camps and surrounding villages to arrest young and old alike, destroy homes and wound and kill inhabitants.
Armed, illegal Israeli settlers live in colonies around Nablus and are the source of much violence and land theft, often permitted to do so by the Israeli army.
Palestinians have their travel severely restricted by Israeli checkpoints within the West Bank.
They need to get Israeli permits to travel beyond the West Bank. – even to visit Jerusalem, Gaza or other parts of Palestine (such as those parts behind the separation wall).
Palestinians do not have a vote for the power that effectively rules them and controls their lives – Israel.
This situation has endured for over 5 decades since 1967.
Self-determination is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law; it is included in the United Nations Charter.
Nablus today – Municipality
Running a city under occupation brings challenges not seen in Dundee.
Nablus is officially an autonomous area with full Palestinian control (i.e. designated within Area A defined by the Oslo Accords). Yet the Israeli army often enters the city to conduct military operations such as detaining (and sometimes killing) those it claims are involved in resisting the occupation.
So, the Palestinian police and security forces have to be ready to get off the streets at short notice.
Palestinian firefighters and ambulances often cannot reach fires or those who need medical assistance; they can be blocked by Israeli forces.
Indeed, even everyday travel can be impeded by Israeli checkpoints.
Despite this, Palestinians do all they can to live normal lives. They go to school, university or work. They have children, they have fun.
Going on holiday is very limited. The Mediterranean Sea is just a few miles away – but Israel controls all access and restricts Palestinian travel.
Going abroad is also difficult. That usually requires Palestinians to travel across Jordan from where they might catch a flight.
Very few can afford such trips, and most would not get permission.
Even travelling to the holy city of Jerusalem is severely restricted.
So, the Nablus Municipality (city council) has to provide services with limited money and incredible need.
Half the population of Nablus is 18 or under. So there is pressure on school places and other services for young people.
A recently completed football stadium is a popular destination and is kept busy with constant games between local teams.
Nablus City and Governorate
Nablus City is part of the Governorate of Nablus which includes all local villages within what we would call a county.
Our relationship is with the City of Nablus and the Mayor of Nablus City.
However, the villages are highly dependent on the city for nearly all main services. There are schools in the villages but very few have more than a basic clinic. So people travel to Nablus City for hospital, university and employment.
When there are Israeli checkpoints, such travel can be difficult or impossible.
Following the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Israel has imposed significant travel restrictions around Nablus.
