MoSD Discusses Strengthening Social Protection and Gaza Relief Efforts with the International Labour Organization

Ramallah – The Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamd, held a meeting with the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Jerusalem, Mr. Dan Córk, to discuss ways to strengthen the social protection system in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation following the recent war.

During the meeting, Dr. Hamd stated that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a critical and unprecedented humanitarian phase, which requires unified and coordinated efforts among national and international institutions. She explained that the Governmental Operations Room for Emergency Interventions, which she chairs, includes more than 45 governmental and official institutions and works continuously to coordinate and direct urgent relief interventions for affected families in Gaza. These efforts include the provision of food, health, cash, and shelter assistance.

Dr. Hamd emphasized that the operations room serves as the central governmental framework for coordinating the national humanitarian response and works in close coordination with United Nations agencies and international partners to ensure the effective and equitable management of aid. She also highlighted the importance of focusing on the most vulnerable groups, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, and stressed the need for a gradual transition from emergency relief to early recovery programs and the rebuilding of a more resilient and responsive social protection system.

For his part, Mr. Dan Córk commended the Ministry’s efforts and the leadership role of the Governmental Operations Room in managing humanitarian work, reaffirming the ILO’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the Palestinian government to support its national priorities and to build fair and sustainable social protection systems that promote social justice and economic empowerment.

This meeting comes within the framework of ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and the ILO through the Social Protection and Cash and Voucher Assistance Technical Working Group (SPCVA-TWG), which aims to develop national policies and programs that enhance resilience and social cohesion and strengthen the capacity of state institutions to effectively respond to crises.