Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced plans for a Barcelona District 11 Palestine visit before the summer. Consequently, he aims to formally present the ‘District 11, Palestinian Cities’ initiative. This project, driven by the Catalan capital, seeks to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with territories primarily affected by the war in Gaza.
This scheduled visit represents Collboni’s second attempt to enter the region. A previous trip, planned for last August, was cancelled after Israeli authorities vetoed his entry. The diplomatic sensitivity is underscored by the heightened security measures in Catalonia. Speaking at a reception for artists performing at the ‘Act X Palestine’ benefit concert, the Mayor confirmed his intention to resume the diplomatic mission.
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The Barcelona District 11 Initiative: A Symbolic New District
Collboni explained he has received fresh invitations from Palestinian mayors. Therefore, he expressed a strong desire to present the Barcelona District 11 project in person, hoping the journey will be possible before the summer.
Following the blocked entry to Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jerusalem, Collboni travelled to Jordan instead. There, he visited UNRWA warehouses near Amman. It was from Jordan that he first announced District 11—a symbolic addition to Barcelona’s ten official districts. Moreover, it is designed with its own management structure to facilitate direct aid and cooperation.
Barcelona District 11 Visit: Support for UNRWA and a ‘Just Peace’
During his address, the Mayor condemned recent actions by the Israeli military against UNRWA facilities. He reiterated the Barcelona City Council’s institutional support for the UN agency. This position aligns with the council’s recent condemnation of antisemitic vandalism, showing a broader commitment to opposing intolerance.
Looking forward, Collboni argued that Palestine’s reconstruction must be founded on a “just peace”. This peace should include recognition of the Palestinian people and the State of Palestine. He explicitly rejected reconstruction models driven by real estate interests or “artificial” solutions.
“This is not the reconstruction that the people of Palestine need,” he stated clearly.
The Mayor concluded by affirming Barcelona will advance cooperation agreements with cities like Ramallah and Bethlehem. He framed the Barcelona District 11 initiative as evidence that Barcelona is placing its international profile at the service of peace. In addition, this project is one of several Barcelona’s international urban policy initiatives.
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