A delegation of councillors, activists and trade union representatives is visiting Palestine to cement relations with the country this month.

The group, which includes Tower Hamlets’ deputy mayor Cllr Ohid Ahmed, and several other Independent councillors, is visiting the city of Jenin in the north of the country.

They hope to build on links established by the Tower Hamlets and Jenin Friendship Association during a visit to the East End by Jenin governor Talal Dwikat last year.

“We are delighted to welcome the delegation from Tower Hamlets and we hope this will lead to increased mutual understanding and shared activities between residents of our two communities in the future,” said Mr Dwikat.

Jenin has been an area of significant conflict between Palestine and Israel during the countries’ ongoing dispute.

Cllr Ahmed added: “I am therefore delighted to be taking part in this visit and to developing close friendships between our communities.”