MoSD Affirms Women’s Right to Safety and Protection, Condemns All Forms of Violence
In light of the difficult conditions our people are facing, and the accompanying economic and social pressures resulting from the political and humanitarian situation, the Ministry of Social Development reaffirms the fundamental right of women to safety and protection from all forms of violence.
The Ministry strongly condemns the horrific crime that claimed the life of a woman in the city of Yatta, in Hebron Governorate, considering it a grave violation of human rights and women’s dignity. This crime represents one of the most serious manifestations of gender-based violence.
The Ministry calls on all members of society to speak out and not remain silent or complicit in cases of domestic violence. A clear and responsible stance is needed to protect women and girls and ensure their right to live in safety and dignity.
Women and girls who are experiencing violence or threats are urged to immediately seek protection and support through the Ministry's directorates across the governorates or via the Family Protection Police.
The Ministry stresses that domestic violence is a crime that must not be justified or tolerated. Collective responsibility is essential to support victims, foster values of respect, dialogue, and family cohesion, and to build a society free of violence.
To report or seek assistance:
- Family Protection Police Hotline: 106
- Psychological and Social Support Line: 1800600600
Together for the protection of women and girls, and for a safe environment that preserves the dignity of all.
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MoSD Warns: Summer Heat Turns Displacement Tents in Gaza into Death Traps
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development has warned of the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as extreme summer temperatures intensify, stressing that more than 1.9 million displaced people, representing nearly 90% of the population, are living in makeshift tents that are no longer fit for human habitation, while restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance and shelter materials continue. The Ministry explained that tents made of nylon, fabric, and heavy plastic have effectively become heat traps, with field data indicating that temperatures inside these shelters are 5–7°C higher than the outside temperature, frequently exceeding 45°C, in the absence of electricity, cooling systems, or adequate ventilation. The Ministry added that the water crisis is further aggravating the situation, with daily water availability falling to less than 3 litres per person in some areas—far below the minimum humanitarian standard—thereby increasing the risk of dehydration and the spread of disease, particularly among children, older persons, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. The Ministry also reported thousands of cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, alongside a sharp rise in skin diseases such as heat rash, scabies, fungal infections, and chickenpox, in addition to the spread of acute diarrhoeal diseases and viral hepatitis, as a result of contaminated water, the accumulation of solid waste, and the severe shortage of basic hygiene supplies. Furthermore, the Ministry stressed that the continued restrictions on the entry of fuel, cooling equipment, and solar energy systems are depriving hundreds of thousands of families of even the most basic means of protection from extreme heat, significantly increasing the health risks faced by displaced people. The Ministry called on the international community, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations to take immediate action by opening border crossings and facilitating the entry of heat-resistant temporary shelters, safe drinking water, shelter materials, hygiene supplies, cooling equipment, alternative energy systems, and essential medicines required to respond to summer-related emergencies, emphasizing that the continuation of the current situation poses a direct threat to the lives of civilians.
MoSD Participates in Conference on Advocacy and Well-being for Women and Youth
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development, represented by Heba Jebat, Head of the Women and Gender Unit, participated in the conference titled "Presentation and Discussion of the Advocacy and Well-being Strategies for Women and Youth." The event was organized by the Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO) in partnership with Oxfam and the AIDA Network, with support from the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). The conference brought together representatives of government ministries, public institutions, civil society organizations, donors, and international partners. The conference was held as part of national efforts to strengthen the participation of women and youth, promote an institutional environment that ensures protection and empowerment, and expand cooperation between governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners in addressing the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges facing Palestinian society. Participants discussed the situation of women and youth under the current circumstances, mechanisms for enhancing their participation in public life and decision-making, and ways to advance national policies aimed at creating more inclusive and equitable environments. Discussions also focused on strengthening social protection and economic empowerment as key pillars for reinforcing resilience and achieving sustainable development. The conference emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation and coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to support the implementation of the Advocacy and Well-being Strategies. It also highlighted the need to develop policies and legislation that enhance the participation of women and youth while ensuring that marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities and residents of targeted communities, have equitable access to opportunities for participation and empowerment. The recommendations further stressed the importance of protecting civic space, strengthening the role of civil society organizations as key partners in development and humanitarian response, investing in the potential of young people, supporting youth-led initiatives, and fostering a new generation of youth leaders capable of contributing to decision-making and addressing current challenges. The conference featured specialized sessions on advocacy and campaigning strategies, community protection mechanisms for youth organizations, and the Well-being Strategy aimed at enhancing care and support for young human rights defenders. It also included extensive discussions on promoting employment and economic empowerment, developing safer and more equitable working environments, and building effective partnerships between government institutions, civil society organizations, and international actors. The Ministry of Social Development's participation in the conference reflects its commitment to strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and supporting national efforts to empower women and youth, enhance social protection, and promote the principles of justice, equality, and participation, thereby contributing to the resilience of Palestinian society and the achievement of sustainable development.
