Ministry of Social Development Highlights Palestinian Children's Suffering on World Children's Day
Ramallah, November 20, 2024 – Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, emphasized the deep humanitarian tragedy faced by Palestinian children due to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. In her statement on the occasion of World Children’s Day, she referred to a report issued by the ministry documenting severe violations of children's rights, stressing the urgent need for international action to protect them and ensure a safe future.
The Minister explained, "Palestinian children, who should be living their childhood in innocence and safety, face the harshest forms of human rights violations that affect their lives, health, education, and even their childhood." She added, "The siege and continuous aggression not only destroy homes and infrastructure but also steal hope from our children's hearts."
Shocking Facts: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to the report from the Ministry of Social Development, the statistics reveal the extent of the catastrophe impacting Palestinian children:
One child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza due to Israeli bombardment, with over 17,289 children losing their lives as a result of the war.
Over one million children in Gaza live in dire conditions of displacement, hunger, and despair, with approximately 35,055 children losing one or both parents.
342 schools and universities have been partially or fully destroyed, depriving 785,000 students of their right to education.
More than 70% of children in Gaza suffer from severe psychological disorders, such as bedwetting and chronic fear, due to difficult conditions and repeated bombardment.
Multiple Violations: Targeting Childhood and Denying Basic Rights
The Minister highlighted various violations faced by Palestinian children, including:
Violation of the Right to Life: The targeting of residential areas and schools has turned these places into mass graves.
Food Insecurity: 96% of children in Gaza suffer from hunger, with many surviving on only one meal a day, and more than 10,000 children diagnosed with severe malnutrition.
Health Crisis: Children have been deprived of necessary treatment due to the destruction of hospitals and the siege, leading to the spread of infectious diseases among them.
Arrests and Detention: Many children have been detained by Israeli forces, some subjected to torture, and others separated from their families.
Call for Immediate International Action
The Minister concluded her statement by calling for urgent international action from human rights and humanitarian organizations: "This World Children’s Day should be a global call to human conscience to protect Palestinian children from brutal violations and ensure their right to a dignified life and a secure future." She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Social Development will continue documenting the suffering of Palestinian children and will keep raising their voices to the world, urging everyone to stand with them in this humanitarian crisis.
Latest News
MoSD Refers Three Female Beneficiaries with Disabilities to Residential Care in Hebron within an Integrated Protection System
Hebron – In a step reflecting the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights to care and protection, the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron Governorate announced the reception of three female beneficiaries with disabilities and their placement in residential care at the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, as part of a comprehensive support system ensuring them a dignified and safe life. This came as part of a joint intervention carried out by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in cooperation with the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, based on direct instructions from H.E. Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, with the aim of providing integrated health, psychological, and social care for the beneficiaries within a specialized and supportive environment. H.E. Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on strengthening strategic partnerships with specialized civil society institutions, considering them a key pillar in delivering high-quality and integrated services to the most vulnerable groups. She praised the distinguished humanitarian and professional role played by the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation in caring for persons with disabilities and providing them with the necessary support. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have been secured for the three beneficiaries, including health care, psychological support, and social rehabilitation programs, as explained by the Society’s President, Dr. Samih Dweik, who noted that the institution will continuously monitor the beneficiaries’ conditions and provide all services that help them achieve positive integration and independent living. This intervention falls within a continuing series of joint initiatives and interventions implemented by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in partnership with civil society organizations, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their access to specialized services guaranteed by law and humanitarian responsibility alike.
MoSD Visits Bethlehem and Stresses the Importance of Integrated Efforts to Serve Citizens Amid Current Challenges
Bethlehem – As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with governorates and strengthening the social protection system across the country, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, conducted a field visit to Bethlehem Governorate. During the visit, she reviewed the conditions of citizens and the challenges they face, stressing the importance of intensifying coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure citizens’ needs are met amid the difficult circumstances affecting the region. The visit was attended by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Minister’s Advisor, Ms. Duaa Wadi, and the Director of the Women’s Department, Ms. Hiba Jibat, along with a ministry delegation. Dr. Hamad was received by the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dawood Al-Hamri, and the Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Bethlehem, Ms. Saeda Al-Atrash. During the visit, Dr. Samah Hamad praised the efforts of Bethlehem Governorate and civil society institutions in supporting citizens’ resilience, affirming that the Ministry will remain in continuous communication with all relevant parties to address issues and challenges faced by citizens as much as possible. She emphasized that limited resources require a high level of coordination and effective organization of efforts to ensure services reach those entitled to them in the best possible manner. She also highlighted the significant importance of the National Registry in improving targeting mechanisms and enhancing fairness in service delivery. Dr. Hamad pointed to the difficult situation faced by Bethlehem Governorate under the current challenges, stressing the need for integrated efforts between official institutions and the private sector to confront these conditions and mitigate their impact on citizens. She also addressed the situation of displaced and affected people in the northern West Bank, presenting the Ministry’s efforts in providing relief and support despite the challenges resulting from the withholding of clearance revenues, and commended the resilience of both the Palestinian government and people. For his part, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, affirmed that the Ministry operates under an integrated vision with various partners to strengthen the social protection system, noting that field efforts focus on reaching the most vulnerable groups and delivering services efficiently and fairly, ensuring a more effective response to the growing challenges. At the conclusion of the visit, the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, welcomed the Minister’s visit, commending the role of the Ministry of Social Development in supporting citizens’ resilience and stressing the importance of continued coordination among all parties to strengthen the social protection system and alleviate the suffering of the governorate’s residents.
