Dr. Samah Hamad Discusses with Omani Counterparts Ways to Enhance Social Support for Affected Families in Palestine
Tunis – On the sidelines of the Arab Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development, H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, met with H.E. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed bin Rashid Al Shamsi, representative of the Ministry of Social Development and the Relief Affairs Ministry in the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr. Hamad described support for Palestinian families in Gaza as an urgent humanitarian priority, stressing that conditions in the Strip have reached "indescribable levels" amid the ongoing blockade and the systematic denial of humanitarian aid, despite convoys being held just meters from closed crossings. She affirmed that delivery through official UN humanitarian channels remains the only viable route and emphasized the importance of keeping food aid depoliticized.
She warned of the long-term consequences of acute malnutrition among children, which threatens an entire generation with stunting, adding that “this is not a political issue—it's a purely humanitarian one.” Dr. Hamad called for clear and direct support from Oman in this regard.
She also highlighted concerns over certain questionable actors exploiting Gaza’s suffering to collect donations unlawfully, urging stronger coordination with the Palestinian government to ensure aid reaches beneficiaries through official channels, including the Ministry of Social Development, the Palestinian Monetary Authority, and the Ministry of Interior.
For his part, Sheikh Al Shamsi affirmed that “the Palestinian cause remains firmly in the conscience of Oman’s leadership, especially His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.” He noted that the Sultanate is doing everything possible to deliver aid to Gaza via official channels and is actively engaged through the Oman Charitable Organization to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.
Dr. Hamad emphasized the importance of building on this Palestinian–Omani understanding to establish a structured and effective humanitarian partnership that ensures aid delivery inside Palestinian territories and strengthens community resilience in the face of displacement and starvation.
Both sides expressed their commitment to continuing official coordination between the two ministries and agreed to convene an expanded meeting with the Oman Charitable Organization to establish clear and transparent cooperation mechanisms that bolster humanitarian efforts, prevent exploitation, and safeguard the Palestinian families’ presence on their land despite war and siege.
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MoSD Participates in the Opening of Dr. Imran Development Building and Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association Headquarters in Kufr Ni’ma
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, participated in the opening of the “Dr. Imran Development Building” and the headquarters of Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association in the town of Kufr Ni’ma in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. The event was attended by the Head of Kufr Ni’ma Village Council, the President of Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association, Fathi Ali Attaya, members of the administrative board, a number of dignitaries, and residents of the town. During her speech, Dr. Hamad stressed the importance of the role played by community institutions in strengthening national resilience and expanding the umbrella of social protection. She praised local initiatives that stem from the spirit of solidarity and volunteerism to serve the most vulnerable groups. Dr. Hamad also commended the efforts made to utilize the building and transform it into a developmental space that serves the residents of the town, affirming that this project represents a model of responsible community work based on sustainability and service to citizens. She emphasized that the humanitarian and living conditions faced by the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip or in the northern governorates of the West Bank, require strengthening civil and developmental work, pointing to the difficult circumstances citizens are enduring amid the current situation, the financial blockade, and the increasing numbers of displaced and affected families. She stated that the Ministry continues its work in providing social protection for the most vulnerable groups through a comprehensive system of services that includes relief efforts, child protection, women’s protection, and services for persons with disabilities and older persons, within an approach based on protection, care, and ultimately empowerment. Dr. Hamad stressed that the presence of active civil society institutions, such as Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association, enhances the ability of Palestinian society to remain resilient and provide services to citizens. She called for investment in education and employment as two essential pillars for strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian people and empowering them economically and socially. She also noted that the Ministry, through the National Social Registry, continues to monitor the conditions of the most vulnerable families, explaining that nearly 85% of families in the Gaza Strip are now living in conditions of vulnerability due to the severe humanitarian situation. For its part, Al-Na’ma Charitable Development Association affirmed its continued implementation of developmental and social programs, particularly in supporting university students and underprivileged families, in line with its mission to strengthen solidarity and community protection within the town.
