Dr. Hammad Continues Efforts to Strengthen Humanitarian Response and Expand International Partnerships
As part of the Palestinian government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the humanitarian response in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Dr. Samah Hammad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, continued her field engagements and meetings this week, aimed at coordinating emergency interventions and strengthening local and international partnerships.
Dr. Hammad met with a delegation from the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) in an introductory meeting held on the occasion of the introduction of the new Belgian Consul to the State of Palestine. The meeting was also attended by the Agency’s Regional Director in Jordan, Country Director in Palestine, Strategic Advisor, and the Manager of the Youth Protection and Civic Engagement Project.
The discussions focused on expanding Belgian cooperation in Palestine. Dr. Hammad presented a comprehensive overview of the evolving humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly in areas hosting large numbers of displaced families. She stressed the importance of scaling up development and humanitarian interventions in these regions and called for targeted support toward economic empowerment projects, psychosocial support programs, and cash-for-work initiatives. She noted that the government’s central operations room would provide the agency with a list of priority intervention needs.
Separately, Dr. Hammad received a delegation from the General Union of Persons with Disabilities, who acknowledged her active support for disability rights—particularly her prominent participation in the Global Disability Summit held in Berlin last April, where Palestine was among the first countries to sign the “Berlin-Amman Declaration,” a move widely regarded as pivotal and influential at the international level.
The meeting reviewed progress on several key issues, notably the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities, the revised executive regulation on customs exemptions, and the importance of including persons with disabilities in national relief plans for both the West Bank and Gaza, especially given the rising number of war-related injuries and disabilities.
Dr. Hammad reaffirmed the Palestinian government’s commitment to taking concrete steps toward ensuring the full rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on interventions in Gaza due to the worsening humanitarian situation. She also underscored the significance of the Berlin-Amman Declaration as a political and human rights reference point upon which to build national policies aligned with the government’s priorities in protection, inclusion, and social justice.
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Press Release Issued by the MoSD on the Occasion of International Women’s Day
Ramallah – March 8 On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Social Development salutes Palestinian women on this global day that honors women’s struggles and rights and commemorates a long journey toward justice, equality, and human dignity. In Palestine, this year’s commemoration comes amid harsh and compounded challenges faced daily by Palestinian women as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, violations and attacks, escalating settler violence, and difficult economic conditions that burden families and increase women’s responsibilities both inside and outside the home. The Ministry affirms that Palestinian women have always been and continue to be a symbol of resilience and steadfastness, and an essential partner in safeguarding social cohesion. They stand at the forefront in confronting crises, paying a double price in terms of their security, health, and psychological and social stability, while continuing to fulfill their roles in caregiving, employment, community support, civil engagement, and preserving the national and social fabric. In this context, the Ministry continues to serve and support women through social protection and care programs, emergency interventions for the most vulnerable groups—particularly survivors of violence—strengthening counseling and psychosocial support services, providing legal aid and financial assistance, and advancing protection pathways against violence and abuse. The Ministry also ensures protection, shelter, and reintegration services through its protection centers and those of its partners, coordinating to guarantee safe and equitable access to all services. During 2025, approximately 850 women survivors of gender-based violence were supported through the Ministry’s directorates in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, despite the tragic conditions, the Ministry continued to deliver essential services, with around 3,000 women benefiting from protection, shelter, psychosocial, and legal support services throughout 2025. The Ministry’s interventions also included displaced women in the Jenin and Tulkarm camps, where approximately 1,100 displaced women benefited from financial assistance, psychosocial counseling sessions, and dignity kits. The Ministry also works to empower women economically and socially by supporting small enterprises, building capacities, expanding opportunities for participation and inclusion, and raising awareness of women’s rights to ensure their dignity and active presence across sectors. In this regard, the Ministry provided 40 job opportunities and supported 40 economic empowerment projects, through partners, for women survivors of violence and female-headed households. The Ministry stresses that women’s empowerment and protection are not seasonal slogans but an ongoing national and societal commitment that requires concerted efforts from official institutions, civil society, the private sector, and international partners. Such collaboration is essential to ensure a more just and safe environment for women and girls, enhance their opportunities in education, employment, and public life, and combat all forms of violence and discrimination. In conclusion, the Ministry of Social Development calls for practical solidarity with Palestinian women through clear policies and programs that ensure protection and empowerment, mitigate the impacts of war, poverty, and economic hardship, and open genuine pathways for participation and justice. Mercy to the martyrs, healing to the wounded, freedom to the prisoners, and tribute to every Palestinian woman who creates hope despite pain and keeps this land standing strong.
MoSD: Broad Interventions During the First Days of Ramadan with Partners’ Support
Press Release Issued by the MoSD on Achievements During the First Thirteen Days of the Holy Month of Ramadan Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development announced that its interventions during the first thirteen days of the holy month of Ramadan constituted a direct response to citizens’ needs amid the current circumstances, delivering multiple and parallel services that extend beyond in-kind assistance. These interventions included psychosocial support and social follow-up for the most vulnerable groups, distribution of food parcels and essential supplies, and the provision of emergency cash assistance for the most urgent cases, aiming to ease living burdens, stabilize families, and strengthen their ability to cope with pressures during the holy month. The Ministry clarified that these interventions were implemented in cooperation with partner associations and targeted vulnerable families. Efforts also included organizing Ramadan iftars and distributing hot meals, including special iftars for orphans. This work was supported by local and international partners, including the Sultanate of Oman, Arab Bank, Al-Quloub Al-Rahima Association, Palestine Children’s Relief Association, community kitchens (Takyas), local associations, ANERA, Multaqameen Ala Al-Khair Association, Makers of Hope Association, Basmat Khair Kitchen, Khudh wa A’ati Association, the French Islamic Relief Association, the Cash Working Group, and individual donors. In the West Bank, the Ministry reported that through 12 directorates, a total of 38,365 food parcels were distributed during this period, in addition to 2,750 iftar meals or hot meals and 1,251 cash interventions. These efforts aimed to ensure assistance reached eligible beneficiaries through clear mechanisms that strengthen solidarity and respond to the most urgent needs. In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), food parcel vouchers were provided to 155,600 individuals listed in the Ministry’s regular beneficiary registry. Additionally, 8,458 families from active lists and 47,530 families from emergency lists benefited from assistance during February, as part of efforts to address urgent needs and enhance food security for the most vulnerable households. In the Gaza Strip, the Ministry confirmed that it delivered more than 37,379 food-related interventions, including vegetable and fruit baskets, infant formula, meals, bread, and suhoor meals, in addition to distributing 2,420 cups of water. Furthermore, 7,970 non-food interventions were provided, including hygiene kits, mattresses, winter clothing, and dignity kits. The Ministry of Social Development stressed that, under the current circumstances, it will continue intensifying its efforts and strengthening coordination with partners to expand the scope of response and ensure the continuity of humanitarian and social support for the most affected groups during and beyond the holy month of Ramadan, contributing to preserving family cohesion and enhancing community resilience.
