As Part of Government Efforts to Strengthen Humanitarian Response: Dr. Samah Hamad Conducts Field Visit to Kafr Ni’ma and Kafr Malik

Ramallah – As part of the Palestinian government’s efforts to enhance humanitarian response and social protection, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, carried out a field visit today to the villages of Kafr Ni’ma and Kafr Malik in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. She was accompanied by Assistant Deputy Minister Akram Al-Hafi, Director of the Ramallah Directorate Imad Omran, and a team from the Ministry and the Directorate, to assess the state of social services, meet with local councils and residents, and closely examine community needs.

In Kafr Ni’ma, Dr. Hamad met with the Head of the Village Council, Mr. Raafat Khalifa, council members, and active community representatives, including Mr. Naif Ishtayeh (Head of the Palestinian Children’s Club), Ms. Tahani Ataya (Principal of Kafr Ni’ma Girls’ School), Hiba Al-Ne’ma from the Youth Center, and Ms. Mira Shaibat, head of the Ministry’s sub-office in the village.

During the meeting, Dr. Hamad emphasized that the Ministry operates within a government-wide vision rooted in social justice and enhanced protection for eligible groups. She outlined the Ministry’s provision of 18 specialized social services delivered through its offices across the governorates, covering care, protection, and empowerment, in addition to cash support programs for the most vulnerable, reaffirming that social justice remains at the heart of government policy.

She reaffirmed that field visits across the governorates will continue, noting that she had recently met with displaced families in the northern West Bank and witnessed firsthand the difficult humanitarian conditions they face. Dr. Hamad highlighted the government’s rapid response to the crisis, particularly in northern areas, coordinated through the Government Operations Room in partnership with stakeholders to ensure fair and transparent aid distribution.

She stressed that the government was prepared from the outset, implementing an emergency response plan to assist displaced families and ensure protection and basic assistance within available means. Despite significant needs and limited resources, she noted that the Ministry continues to operate with full dedication amidst mounting financial and logistical challenges.

Dr. Hamad also underscored the importance of partnerships with local councils and civil society organizations, highlighting a memorandum of understanding signed with the Palestinian Children’s Club in Kafr Ni’ma to implement specialized childhood programs.

The visit included a stop at the Ministry’s sub-office housed within the village council, which serves ten communities with approximately 34,000 residents and 425 beneficiary families. Dr. Hamad also toured the Children’s Club Center to discuss ways of enhancing its programs to meet children's evolving needs.

In Kafr Malik, Dr. Hamad was welcomed by Fatah Movement leader Mr. Jaafar Abdul Hafiz, Deputy Council Head Mr. Majed Al-Ma’di, council members, Ms. Masadah Ma’di (Head of Al-Ataa Association), and local elders and active women.

Listening to residents, Dr. Hamad heard concerns about living and social conditions and discussed ways to strengthen services and support mechanisms for vulnerable families. She stressed that her presence on the ground reflects the government’s commitment to direct engagement with the people and to ensuring that their voices and needs are conveyed to decision-makers at the highest levels. She visited several struggling families and distributed food parcels in a gesture of solidarity, reaffirming the Ministry’s prioritization of the most marginalized segments of society.

In conclusion, Dr. Hamad emphasized that the sacrifices of the Palestinian people increase the responsibility of all actors to uphold justice and dignity for the nation.