Dr. Samah Hamad Conducts a Comprehensive Field Tour to Support Relief Efforts in Jenin Governorate
Jenin, April 29, 2025 – Amid the ongoing aggression on Jenin Refugee Camp, now in its 99th consecutive day, and as part of the work of the Ministerial Committee for Emergency Response, Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs and Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, carried out a comprehensive field tour in Jenin Governorate. She was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Director of the Jenin Directorate of Social Development, and a team from the Ministry, to follow up on efforts to support displaced families and strengthen social solidarity.
Dr. Hamad began her tour with a meeting with Jenin Governor Mr. Kamal Abu Al-Rub, where she reviewed governmental and ministerial efforts to support displaced persons. She affirmed that despite financial challenges, the Ministry had managed to raise 1.5 million shekels to assist affected families, of which 426,500 shekels have already been distributed through the Ministry's directorates.
Governor Kamal Abu Al-Rub highlighted the complex field conditions in Jenin Camp and stressed the importance of facilitating the movement of residents through the Jalameh checkpoint. He also called for the organization of aid distribution under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development to ensure fairness and transparency.
As part of the tour, the Minister visited the Girls’ Center in Jenin, where she emphasized the urgent need to rehabilitate the facility as a designated shelter for displaced women and children from the Gaza Strip. She called for a thorough assessment of families' needs and the provision of a safe and dignified environment that respects human privacy.
She also visited the housing complex of the Arab American University, which has become one of the largest shelter centers in the governorate, currently hosting around 600 displaced families across 22 residential buildings—totaling approximately 4,000 individuals. Dr. Hamad explained that rent costs are covered by the Popular Committee for Refugee Services, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Development. She praised the community efforts being made and stressed that the greatest challenge remains securing sustainable housing solutions, in addition to working on direct cash support programs in partnership with donors.
The tour concluded with a visit to the village of Jaba’ in southern Jenin, where the Minister was briefed on the difficult socio-economic conditions facing the town, home to about 13,000 residents. She reviewed the municipality’s efforts, led by Mr. Mohammad Badad, to improve infrastructure despite obstacles. The village has 260 families benefiting from the Social Protection Enhancement Program, and three displaced families comprising 13 individuals. The Minister expressed her gratitude to Jaba’ Municipality for its hospitality and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting local projects despite the difficult circumstances. She also listened to the needs of residents and the priority projects presented by the municipality.
Dr. Hamad reaffirmed that the government is exerting significant efforts to meet the needs of displaced persons in Jenin, thanks to the dedication of field teams and the direct guidance of the Deputy Minister.
At the conclusion of her tour, Dr. Hamad confirmed that the Ministry continues to work with all local and international partners to secure the needs of displaced families and to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian community amid escalating humanitarian challenges.
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