MoSD discusses the reality of social protection in Palestine with the International Labour Organization
Ramallah – The Minister of Social Development held a virtual meeting with the International Labour Organization to discuss the status of social protection in Palestine and the challenges facing the social sector amid difficult humanitarian and economic conditions, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank, as well as ways to enhance income opportunities and support the most vulnerable groups.
She explained that the strict Israeli restrictions on movement, along with the loss of livelihoods for large numbers of workers since October 2023, have negatively affected the Palestinian economy and increased social and living needs, placing additional pressure on the social protection services provided by the Ministry.
She stressed that the Ministry of Social Development has continued delivering its services in the Gaza Strip despite the war, either directly or through partnerships with local and international institutions, affirming the continued work in the areas of child and women protection and the provision of essential social services for affected groups.
Dr. Samah Hamad noted that the Ministry has developed the social registry to become a key national tool for organizing the social response and linking interventions to actual needs, particularly with the growing number of affected families in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including those impacted by displacement and loss of income.
During the meeting, the Minister also presented several observations related to Palestinian priorities, stressing the importance of ensuring that international assessments and recommendations reflect the realities on the ground and translate into practical steps that support the sustainability of social services and strengthen the capacity of national institutions to respond.
Dr. Hamad further emphasized that the Palestinian people—especially youth—possess high competencies and strong professional capabilities, particularly in fields requiring innovation and specialization. She highlighted the importance of investing in these capacities, especially in the information technology sector and remote work, as key pathways to expanding employment opportunities and strengthening economic resilience. She added that urgent priorities in the Gaza Strip include education, job creation, and strengthening interventions in humanitarian relief and social protection, in addition to supporting light industries and the agricultural sector, given their essential role in enhancing citizens’ resilience and supporting recovery efforts. She also underscored the importance of launching employment initiatives that help mitigate the impact of the crisis on Palestinian families.
For their part, representatives of the International Labour Organization affirmed the importance of the insights and remarks presented during the meeting, noting that these observations will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the report to more accurately reflect the priorities and challenges related to the Palestinian context.
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MoSD Refers Three Female Beneficiaries with Disabilities to Residential Care in Hebron within an Integrated Protection System
Hebron – In a step reflecting the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights to care and protection, the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron Governorate announced the reception of three female beneficiaries with disabilities and their placement in residential care at the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, as part of a comprehensive support system ensuring them a dignified and safe life. This came as part of a joint intervention carried out by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in cooperation with the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, based on direct instructions from H.E. Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, with the aim of providing integrated health, psychological, and social care for the beneficiaries within a specialized and supportive environment. H.E. Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on strengthening strategic partnerships with specialized civil society institutions, considering them a key pillar in delivering high-quality and integrated services to the most vulnerable groups. She praised the distinguished humanitarian and professional role played by the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation in caring for persons with disabilities and providing them with the necessary support. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have been secured for the three beneficiaries, including health care, psychological support, and social rehabilitation programs, as explained by the Society’s President, Dr. Samih Dweik, who noted that the institution will continuously monitor the beneficiaries’ conditions and provide all services that help them achieve positive integration and independent living. This intervention falls within a continuing series of joint initiatives and interventions implemented by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in partnership with civil society organizations, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their access to specialized services guaranteed by law and humanitarian responsibility alike.
MoSD Visits Bethlehem and Stresses the Importance of Integrated Efforts to Serve Citizens Amid Current Challenges
Bethlehem – As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with governorates and strengthening the social protection system across the country, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, conducted a field visit to Bethlehem Governorate. During the visit, she reviewed the conditions of citizens and the challenges they face, stressing the importance of intensifying coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure citizens’ needs are met amid the difficult circumstances affecting the region. The visit was attended by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Minister’s Advisor, Ms. Duaa Wadi, and the Director of the Women’s Department, Ms. Hiba Jibat, along with a ministry delegation. Dr. Hamad was received by the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dawood Al-Hamri, and the Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Bethlehem, Ms. Saeda Al-Atrash. During the visit, Dr. Samah Hamad praised the efforts of Bethlehem Governorate and civil society institutions in supporting citizens’ resilience, affirming that the Ministry will remain in continuous communication with all relevant parties to address issues and challenges faced by citizens as much as possible. She emphasized that limited resources require a high level of coordination and effective organization of efforts to ensure services reach those entitled to them in the best possible manner. She also highlighted the significant importance of the National Registry in improving targeting mechanisms and enhancing fairness in service delivery. Dr. Hamad pointed to the difficult situation faced by Bethlehem Governorate under the current challenges, stressing the need for integrated efforts between official institutions and the private sector to confront these conditions and mitigate their impact on citizens. She also addressed the situation of displaced and affected people in the northern West Bank, presenting the Ministry’s efforts in providing relief and support despite the challenges resulting from the withholding of clearance revenues, and commended the resilience of both the Palestinian government and people. For his part, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, affirmed that the Ministry operates under an integrated vision with various partners to strengthen the social protection system, noting that field efforts focus on reaching the most vulnerable groups and delivering services efficiently and fairly, ensuring a more effective response to the growing challenges. At the conclusion of the visit, the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, welcomed the Minister’s visit, commending the role of the Ministry of Social Development in supporting citizens’ resilience and stressing the importance of continued coordination among all parties to strengthen the social protection system and alleviate the suffering of the governorate’s residents.
