Information spread on social media , stating that: “The Jenin Municipality has been permanently closed due to the economic collapse that has affected it as a result of the repeated aggression and reforms.”
Kashif verified the claim and found it to be inaccurate. Kashif contacted Jenin Mayor Nidal Obeidi, who categorically denied the information. Obeidi added that strikes and delays in paying salaries are possible, but this does not mean the municipality will be closed permanently.
Obaidi stressed that the meetings with the head of the Jenin Municipality Workers Union are still ongoing, and it is expected that a solution will be announced with the union this evening.
The Jenin Municipality Workers Union announced on 21 August 2024, the closure of Jenin Municipality until further notice, and explained that this closure came due to the Municipal Council’s failure to adhere to agreements regarding the disbursement of salaries.
Jenin Municipality was established in 1886, headed by Hajj Abdul Majeed Mansour, in addition to the presence of 6 members of the municipal council, who were elected by secret ballot. While in 1982, the Israeli occupation authorities dismissed the last elected council headed by Ahmed Shawqi Musa Al-Mahmoud, and administered the municipality.
In 1995, a national committee was formed headed by Mr. Walid Musa Abu Muwais, who assumed its presidency by a presidential decree from the late President Yasser Arafat in October 1995. The first municipal elections were held on 15 December 2005, where residents elected 15 municipal members, and women were represented in this council with three seats.
