Organizing Social Services and Ensuring Access for Beneficiaries: Minister Approves Executive Instructions for Local Social Protection Networks

Ramallah – In a step aimed at improving citizens’ access to social services and organizing assistance in a manner that ensures fairness and efficiency, Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad approved the executive instructions for Local Social Protection Networks for 2026, contributing to unified social efforts and an effective response to community needs, particularly during emergencies and crises.

These directives seek to regulate the work of local social protection networks, ensure that services and assistance reach eligible beneficiaries, reduce duplication of interventions, and promote volunteerism and social responsibility, ultimately improving the level of social protection for citizens.

The directives were adopted following review by the relevant departments within the Ministry of Social Development, in line with legal mandates and the Ministry’s approach to institutionalizing social work and strengthening coordination and integration among the Ministry, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Under these directives, local social protection networks will be formed by decisions of the Directors of Social Development Directorates in the governorates and will operate under the Ministry’s supervision to accurately identify needs and direct social interventions in an organized and effective manner, according to clear priorities that directly serve citizens.

In this context, the directives have been circulated to all Ministry directorates across the governorates in preparation for establishing local social protection networks, in line with the Ministry’s 2026 action plan.

Implementation and follow-up will be carried out by the competent directorate, in continuous coordination with the Ministry’s various departments to ensure proper management of protection cases related to poor families and emergency situations. This includes child protection, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities, as well as monitoring service quality and strengthening coordination and integration with services provided by partners.