Adh Dhahiriya Municipality and Chamber of Commerce Meet with Merchants to Discuss Key Issues Affecting the City

A meeting was held today at Adh Dhahiriya Municipality with the participation of merchants from the city, Mayor of Adh Dhahiriya Engineer Ali Abbas Al-Awaisa, Chairman of the South Hebron Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Mr. Bassem Abu Allan, and members of both institutions to discuss several important issues concerning the city.

 

The discussions focused primarily on the Israeli closure policy imposed on Adh Dhahiriya, which has significantly affected the local economy.

 

Since October 7, the city has been facing severe economic difficulties as a result of the continued closure of its northern entrance, southern entrance, and the Shuweika gate, where Israeli forces maintain a constant presence.

 

Mayor Engineer Ali Abbas Al-Awaisa welcomed the merchants who attended the meeting and emphasized the serious impact of the closure policy on the city’s economic conditions.

 

He noted that Adh Dhahiriya’s market has traditionally attracted shoppers from the Negev region and neighboring areas. He also spoke about the Shuweika Road paving project, which aims to improve access for shoppers coming from the Negev to Adh Dhahiriya.

 

The Mayor further stressed the importance of collective efforts and cooperation among all sectors to ensure the prosperity and development of Adh Dhahiriya in all fields.

 

For his part, Chairman of the South Hebron Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, Mr. Bassem Abu Allan, highlighted the ongoing efforts of both the Chamber and the Municipality in maintaining intensive communication with the Palestinian Civil and Military Liaison Offices, which continue to engage with the Israeli side in an effort to reopen the city’s northern gate.

 

 He noted that this gate has become the city's only remaining outlet following the closure of Al-Ramadin Road and the economic restrictions imposed on Adh Dhahiriya.

 

The merchants called on both the Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce to continue cooperating and exerting pressure to reopen the gates, which serve as vital access points and economic lifelines for the city. They also urged the Municipality to expedite the paving of Shuweika Road, which has become an important route for residents of the Negev traveling to Adh Dhahiriya.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, both the Municipality and the Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining communication with merchants, following up on the issues raised, and building upon the recommendations discussed.

 

They emphasized the importance of joint efforts to serve the public interest and preserve the continuity of economic activity in the city.