Minister Hamad Concludes Visit to Qalqilya with Field Tour in Azzun: "We Will Continue Supporting Staff and Responding to the Needs of the Most Affected Areas"
Qalqilya – Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, continued her visit to Qalqilya Governorate with a field tour of the Ministry’s Directorate in Qalqilya and its branch office in Azzun. She emphasized that strengthening the Ministry’s response in marginalized and affected areas remains a top government priority, especially under the current economic challenges and imposed restrictions.
Accompanied by Qalqilya Governor Major General Hussam Abu Hamda, Deputy Minister Mr. Taha Al-Irani, Director of the Qalqilya Directorate Mr. Maher Odeh, Azzun Mayor Mr. Fadel Hawari, Kafr Thulth Mayor Mr. Jihad Odeh, and Asla Village Council Head Mr. Suleiman Othman, the visit also included a delegation of general directors and department officials from the Ministry.
Mr. Maher Odeh delivered a detailed presentation on key interventions carried out by the Ministry, covering health insurance files, support for the elderly, and regulation of nurseries. He also outlined challenges related to staff shortages, calling for improved resource distribution and strengthened community partnerships.
Dr. Hamad concluded her visit in the town of Azzun, where she met with staff at the branch office and praised their dedication under exceptional circumstances. She affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to reviewing the town’s demands, particularly regarding the reintegration of eastern villages under its jurisdiction, human resource support, and improving service quality for vulnerable groups.
Governor Abu Hamda expressed pride in the steadfastness of Azzun, describing it as a “national stronghold” and stressing that addressing challenges requires unity and coordination between official and community actors.
Azzun Mayor Mr. Fadel Hawari highlighted the difficult living conditions due to ongoing closures since the outbreak of war on Gaza, noting the martyrdom of 13 residents and the detention of over 170 others, along with the denial of farmers’ access to their lands.
He pointed to a severe shortage of staff, with one social worker handling over 800 cases without even the minimum operational supplies, affirming the municipality’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry to serve the local population.
This visit falls within the Ministry’s broader plan to intensify its field presence and ensure that social protection services reach the most vulnerable areas.
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