Palestine and Bahrain Discuss Support for Affected Families in Gaza and Strengthening Humanitarian Partnership
Tunis – On the sidelines of the Arab Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development, Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening humanitarian cooperation and supporting the resilience of the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, amid an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Dr. Hamad emphasized that the Palestinian people are enduring the most severe crisis in their history, describing the situation in Gaza—now in its fifth month of aggression and over four months without humanitarian aid—as beyond description. She warned of the complete depletion of essential supplies, including infant formula and life-saving medications, which threatens the lives of thousands, especially premature infants.
She expressed deep appreciation for Bahrain’s political and humanitarian stance, highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts to push for a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid. Dr. Hamad affirmed that, despite enormous challenges, the Palestinian government continues its on-the-ground response and is developing social protection programs that address urgent needs—particularly as Gaza’s social fabric collapses and poverty and unemployment soar to unprecedented levels.
Minister Al Alawi reiterated Bahrain’s full support for Palestine, stressing that the catastrophic conditions in Gaza cannot be allowed to persist. He confirmed that Bahrain will continue providing aid through official channels, particularly the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, which has already implemented more than 30 projects in Palestine in areas such as health, education, and social protection.
Both sides agreed on the importance of regulating humanitarian efforts through direct coordination with Palestinian official institutions to prevent misuse by unauthorized actors. They also underscored the need to involve UN agencies and the League of Arab States in organizing joint efforts.
In closing, Dr. Hamad called for the upcoming World Summit on Social Development in November to highlight the needs of Palestinian families. She stressed that family protection and empowerment are the foundation for rebuilding Palestinian society—even from within tents—and affirmed the government's readiness to present an integrated protection plan based on multidimensional poverty reduction and linkages to employment, in line with the national policy framework.
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Delegation from the Ministry of Social Development Reviews the Jordanian Experience in Managing Protection Centers
Amman – A delegation from the Ministry of Social Development, represented by the Women and Gender Unit, reviewed the Jordanian experience in managing and operating protection centers during a two-day visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The visit comes as part of the Ministry’s efforts to develop social work and enhance the protection of women. The visit was organized within the framework of the Women and Gender Unit’s efforts to strengthen the exchange of expertise and build the capacities of professionals working in the field of women’s protection. The program included meetings with the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development and an overview of the policies, procedures, and operational mechanisms adopted in protection centers. During the visit, the delegation learned about the package of services provided by protection centers, including safe shelter, protection services, psychological, social, and legal support, counseling, and community reintegration, contributing to the provision of a safe and supportive environment for women. The visit also included field tours to the Family Reconciliation House and the Girls’ Care House, where the delegation reviewed efforts to provide protection and care services, strengthen women’s capacities and self-confidence, and examined mechanisms of integrated work and partnerships among relevant stakeholders. The visit aims to benefit from the leading Jordanian experience and apply best practices in Palestine, in addition to enhancing the professional efficiency of women working in the field of women’s protection and strengthening regional partnerships in support of social work and women’s protection. At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation expressed its appreciation to the staff of the protection centers in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of such visits in strengthening cooperation and exchanging knowledge and expertise between the two countries.
Social Development Ministry Assists Gaza Family
Under the Follow-Up of H.E. Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad: Humanitarian Intervention for a Family from Gaza, Securing Housing and Financial Assistance The Ministry of Social Development followed up on a humanitarian case involving a family from the Gaza Strip who had been residing in a hospital in the city of Jerusalem for medical treatment. After the completion of the treatment period, the family—consisting of five members—was left without a place to stay. Accordingly, the Ministry took the necessary measures to address the situation. The family was transferred to the city of Ramallah, where suitable housing was secured through the rental of an apartment, ensuring temporary stability for the family. In addition, a monthly financial allowance was provided, covering the apartment rent and basic food needs, as part of the Ministry’s role in responding to urgent humanitarian cases. This intervention comes within the framework of the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to fulfilling its social and humanitarian responsibilities and supporting affected families, particularly in light of the difficult economic conditions and financial constraints facing the Palestinian Authority.
