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.