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.