Expanded Meeting of the Social Protection Sector Working Group Discusses MoSD 2025–2027 Projects
Ramallah – The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development convened a high-level meeting of the Social Protection Sector Working Group today to review its 2025–2027 strategic plan, flagship projects, and enhance coordination mechanisms with international partners and donors amid escalating challenges in Gaza and the West Bank.
The meeting was chaired by Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, and co-chaired by Mr. Ibrahim Laafia, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office, alongside Ms. Genevieve Boutin, UNICEF Special Representative in Palestine, and Mr. Anis Abu Shiekha, Head of the Aid Coordination Secretariat. Also in attendance were Deputy Minister Taha Al-Irani and representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Dr. Hamad highlighted the latest developments in the Government Operations Room, stressing the urgency of aligning local and international efforts to transition swiftly from emergency relief to recovery. She noted that the Ministry currently delivers 18 social services, which are being digitized with a focus on vulnerable groups. She also addressed a significant funding gap that prompted the launch of the “Social Protection Initiative” to mobilize resources in support of programs in Gaza and the West Bank.
Mr. Laafia reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to provide €1.6 billion in financial support to Palestine over the next three years. This includes budget support, economic resilience, and SME financing through the European Investment Bank. He emphasized the importance of activating multi-purpose cash transfers and proposed launching a donor coordination platform during the UN General Assembly in September.
Ms. Boutin outlined the grave humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where June imports amounted to less than 10% of pre-crisis levels in February. Nonetheless, UNICEF reached nearly 490,000 beneficiaries in the first half of the year. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to strengthening the humanitarian-development nexus through a joint “Nexus” project with the EU and ILO.
Mr. Abu Shiekha called on all partners to update project data in the Aid Information Management System (AIMS), emphasizing that data accuracy is essential for coordination and transparency, especially as humanitarian needs surge in Gaza.
The meeting featured a series of presentations, including the Ministry’s 2025–2027 Social Protection Strategy, developed within the framework of the "National Development Charter for the Future of Palestine" and the “Inclusive Justice for Social Protection” initiative. The Government Operations Room also provided a comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, followed by discussions on enhancing the effectiveness of cash assistance and linking it with social services.
Presentations also covered technical assistance programs by UNICEF, the World Bank, ILO, and WFP, as well as a joint proposal for the SDG Fund. Technical working groups provided updates on cash and voucher assistance, disability inclusion, and field coordination mechanisms. Notably, the Cash Transfer Working Group’s role in directing aid to the most affected populations was emphasized.
In conclusion, participants stressed the need to bolster coordination among all stakeholders, expand financial and technical support, and activate digital platforms to ensure integrated relief and recovery efforts and equitable access to services for vulnerable groups in the West Bank and Gaza.
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