As part of the efforts of the Government Emergency Operations Room, the MoSD discusses with her Egyptian counterpart ways to enhance cooperation to support Palestinians
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Relief, Dr. Samah Hamad, held a Zoom meeting yesterday with the Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, to discuss avenues for joint cooperation and enhancing humanitarian efforts to support Palestinians, emphasizing coordinated efforts through the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent Societies.
The meeting took place within the framework of the government’s emergency operations room for interventions in the southern governorates. Dr. Hamad expressed gratitude to her Egyptian counterpart for Egypt’s continuous support of the Palestinian people, commending their active role in sending field teams to the Rafah crossing and providing urgent humanitarian aid. She also briefed Dr. Morsy on the current situation in the West Bank and the challenges Palestinians face amid the recent escalation of the occupation's violations
Dr. Hamad outlined the efforts of the government’s operations room, which is currently working to secure shelter for families whose homes have been destroyed, clear debris, and restore essential services to affected areas. The discussion also covered urgent needs, including aid currently held in Al-Arish and ways to facilitate its entry into Gaza.
Dr. Hamad stressed the necessity of delivering aid coming from Egypt to the Palestinian Red Crescent and the Ministry of Relief, as they are the official entities responsible for receiving and distributing assistance within Palestinian territories. Dr. Morsy reaffirmed that the Egyptian Red Crescent is the designated entity responsible for coordinating the entry of humanitarian aid from Egypt, assuring continued Egyptian efforts in this regard.
Dr. Morsy also briefed Dr. Hamad on Egypt’s efforts in monitoring the condition of wounded individuals from Gaza receiving treatment in Egyptian hospitals. She noted that she had personally visited several of them, particularly injured children, to check on their health conditions. She emphasized that she is closely following up on the status of newly evacuated injured individuals to ensure they receive the necessary medical care.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Hamad underscored Egypt’s vital role in supporting the Palestinian people, expressing deep appreciation to the Egyptian Red Crescent for its significant efforts in providing urgent relief aid and monitoring the condition of the wounded. Both parties agreed to hold regular meetings to follow up on field developments and ensure continued coordination of humanitarian efforts, contributing to providing essential support to affected Palestinians.
The meeting was also attended by the Director General of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Khaled Abu Ghosh, and the Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Dr. Amal Imam.
Latest News
Dr. Samah Hamad: We Need Effective Partnerships and Political Will to Support Relief Efforts in Palestine
In a recorded address delivered at the Arab International Forum for Reconstruction in Palestine, held in Istanbul with the participation of representatives from governments and regional and international organizations, Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, affirmed that the Palestinian people are facing one of the most severe humanitarian challenges in their history, due to the continued aggression on the Gaza Strip, the complete closure of crossings, and the targeting of civilians and infrastructure — in clear violation of international law and humanitarian values. Dr. Hamad noted that in response to the unfolding humanitarian situation, the Palestinian government established an Emergency Government Operations Room on January 19, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, to coordinate relief and early recovery efforts. A comprehensive response plan was launched covering the initial phase following the temporary ceasefire. She commended the Arab International Commission for Reconstruction as an active partner in the government’s efforts, alongside the private sector, civil society, and UN institutions. She emphasized that the scale of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues to worsen amid repeated mass displacement and the near-total collapse of critical infrastructure — including water networks and health services — in addition to severe shortages of vaccines and food, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, particularly the most vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly. Dr. Hamad also highlighted the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, particularly in the northern areas, due to continued assaults and violations that have caused widespread displacement and destruction of property. She confirmed that the Palestinian government, through the Ministries of Social Development and Relief Affairs, is continuing to provide emergency interventions, including food assistance, healthcare, and shelter supplies. She extended special thanks to the Arab International Commission for Reconstruction, its leadership and teams, for their sincere commitment and pivotal role in supporting humanitarian response, describing the Commission as a practical model of constructive Arab solidarity and a strategic partner in all stages of relief efforts. In closing, Dr. Hamad called for the mobilization of humanitarian efforts, international pressure to open the crossings and ensure the entry of relief and medical supplies, and the strengthening of international partnerships in implementing recovery programs and creating job opportunities—contributing to the resilience of the Palestinian people and the building of a more just and stable future.
Relief Supplies Depleted: Ministry of State for Relief Affairs Presses On Amid Severe Shortages in Gaza
Amid the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, and as part of the sustained efforts of the Government Emergency Operations Room in the southern governorates, the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs continues to implement a series of urgent humanitarian interventions—despite the depletion of most essential supplies and the unavailability of vital materials—in an effort to provide the minimum level of support to displaced and affected families. In this context, H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, is directly overseeing the implementation of emergency interventions, in coordination with a number of local and international partners. In partnership with the Palestinian Housing Council, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the Arab International Reconstruction Commission, and Human Appeal, the Ministry's team delivered emergency support to over 2,000 families, including the provision of tents and essential shelter materials across several governorates in the Gaza Strip. Over the past two weeks, approximately 10,000 ready-to-eat meals, more than 3,000 food parcels, 200 sacks of flour, and 3,400 nutritional supplement packs were distributed. Drinking water was also delivered to several heavily affected areas. In light of the severe shortage of tents, the Ministry intensified its efforts in coordination with the Palestinian Housing Council, leading to the distribution of 3,000 tarpaulins and related materials to provide alternative shelter for displaced families.
