Dr. Samah Hamad Follows Up on Humanitarian Response Efforts and Highlights Escalating Needs in Gaza and Northern West Bank

Amid intensified attacks on the Gaza Strip and ongoing military incursions in the northern West Bank, Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs and Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, has stepped up meetings with international and regional partners to strengthen humanitarian response and secure urgent support for affected communities.

In a meeting with the British Ambassador to Palestine, Dr. Hamad outlined key obstacles to aid delivery, including the suspension of rubble removal due to restrictions on heavy equipment entry, lack of funding, and the growing displacement crisis in the northern West Bank, which has affected over 60,000 people amid severe shelter shortages.

At the national level, she met with the Chamber of Commerce and Palestinian business leaders to discuss collaboration in supporting displaced and vulnerable families. She shared details of a planned housing unit project and confirmed the Ministry will provide the Chamber with official lists of registered families in need to ensure targeted and transparent support.

In a separate meeting with Palestine’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Zuhair Hamdallah, the two discussed ways to activate bilateral humanitarian cooperation with Pakistan.

While in Amman, Dr. Hamad met with Jordanian Minister of Social Development H.E. Wafa Bani Mustafa and Secretary-General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, Dr. Hussein Al-Shibli. The talks focused on scaling up joint relief efforts, particularly in Gaza. Dr. Hamad praised Jordan’s role in delivering emergency aid, operating the field hospital, and supporting children with disabilities through the “Restoring Hope” initiative.

The Minister called for unified humanitarian efforts and stronger coordination with donors—especially in shelter, cash assistance, and cash-for-work programming—through partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and UN agencies.