Minister of Social Development Calls for Unified Efforts to Address Humanitarian Challenges and Protect Palestinian Rights and Dignity
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and State Minister for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, Calls for Unified Humanitarian Efforts to Support the Palestinian People Amid Mounting Challenges. During a meeting with representatives of international and regional relief and development organizations, along with consuls and representatives of European countries, the United States, and Canada, Dr. Samah Hamad called for intensified and unified humanitarian efforts to address the worsening challenges faced by the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza as a result of the Israeli war.
The Minister emphasized that the Palestinian people are enduring extraordinary circumstances requiring an urgent and sustained response. She highlighted the severe deterioration in humanitarian and living conditions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Hamad stated, "The current challenges are not merely a passing humanitarian crisis but a true test of global humanitarian values. Everyone must take responsibility to alleviate the suffering of our people and ensure their dignity and fundamental rights."
She further noted that humanitarian and relief efforts are intrinsically tied to the national development plan established by the Palestinian government. This plan involves comprehensive coordination across sectors such as development, health, education, and agriculture, which is critical to ensuring the success of relief efforts and achieving sustainable, positive impacts for affected groups.
The Minister also underscored the importance of data sharing between the Palestinian government and international relief organizations to ensure effective aid delivery and uphold transparency and fairness in distribution. She reiterated that one of the core principles of humanitarian work is safeguarding the dignity of Palestinians, which forms the foundation of all humanitarian and development efforts.
UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Muhannad Hadi highlighted the extensive destruction Gaza has suffered due to the war, noting that the humanitarian situation in the territory has reached critical and unprecedented levels. He stated, "Humanitarian and relief organizations face significant obstacles in delivering aid to those in need due to restrictions on the entry of essential materials into Gaza, coupled with the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, health facilities, and schools."
Oliver Ossa, a representative of the German government, expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s invitation, praising the initiative. Ossa remarked, "This meeting holds particular importance given the current circumstances. It represents an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in providing support to Gaza. We reaffirm our commitment to delivering humanitarian and developmental assistance to the Palestinian people during this critical phase."
The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action to provide the necessary support to the Palestinian people, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to ensure a dignified life for all and strengthen national resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
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