MoSD and Cash Working Group Members Discuss Strengthening Humanitarian Coordination and Response Mechanisms in Palestine
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) held a meeting with members of the Cash Working Group (CWG) to discuss ongoing efforts and interventions in the field of social protection and cash assistance, amid the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip.
Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, emphasized that Gaza has been facing a real famine for over four months, threatening the lives of nearly 500,000 children, including 35,000 on the verge of death. She stressed the need to unify efforts and direct international funding toward immediate response, utilizing the National Social Registry and the Unified Assistance Platform to ensure transparency and prevent duplication.
Deputy Minister Taha Al-Irani highlighted that the West Bank is experiencing forced displacement, with over 45,000 individuals displaced from Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps. He emphasized the urgent need for shelter solutions and rental support for displaced families, in addition to financial challenges due to the withholding of clearance revenues.
Mr. Mahdi Hamdan, Advisor to the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs, provided a briefing stating that 92% of Gaza’s population is facing severe food insecurity, and 88% are displaced, with more than 370,000 housing units damaged. He underlined the role of the Government Operations Room in ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable groups.
The meeting also included a presentation on the Unified Assistance Platform, outlining the mechanisms for data entry and updates for beneficiaries and emphasizing the platform’s role as a central tool for information-sharing among local and international partners.
Participants from various institutions made key interventions, including calls to expand field verification efforts, enhance partnerships with WFP and UNRWA, and explore mechanisms to reduce cash withdrawal fees and stabilize market prices.
Discussions addressed critical issues such as beneficiary verification methods, strengthening coordination between sectoral groups, and further development of the unified platform. Participants also proposed expanding innovative initiatives like the “Family-to-Family” program and increasing support for rental assistance.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue joint efforts to ensure that aid reaches those most affected efficiently and transparently, with agreed practical steps including adopting the platform as a central coordination tool, sharing the shock response protocol with all partners, and scaling up targeted interventions.