MoSD Discusses Cooperation with Italian Consul to Enhance Humanitarian Response in Palestine
Ramallah – Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, met today with Italian Consul Domenico Bellato, with the participation of Mirko Tricoli, to discuss ways to strengthen joint cooperation and support humanitarian and social efforts in Palestine amid escalating challenges in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs Mahdi Hamdan and Minister’s Advisor Doaa Wadi.
During the meeting, Dr. Hamad reviewed the current humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza, noting the continued deterioration in the absence of tangible progress in recovery and reconstruction efforts. This has intensified psychological and social pressures on citizens and negatively impacted family and community stability.
She affirmed that the Ministry of Social Development is working in cooperation with international and UN organizations, as well as local partners, to strengthen social protection services—particularly in child and women protection—through expanding shelter services, establishing new centers for unaccompanied children, and intensifying psychosocial support programs.
Dr. Hamad also explained that the ministry continues its efforts to develop a comprehensive national database of individuals affected by the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank, based on a government mandate. The aim is to organize the social response and direct interventions according to actual needs, through a phased approach starting with initial data verification and leading to the establishment of an integrated registry.
She stressed the importance of directly supporting governments alongside humanitarian programs, warning that weakening government institutions would lead to further deterioration of conditions. She also highlighted the importance of supporting neighboring countries, particularly Jordan and Egypt, given their vital role in supporting stability and facilitating humanitarian response.
Dr. Hamad further noted the ministry’s direction to strengthen protection centers affiliated with Dar Al Amal for Observation and Social Care, including supporting and operating new centers planned to open in Halhul and Nablus. She emphasized the importance of securing international support to ensure the sustainability of these centers, given their key role in protecting children and juveniles and enhancing social care services.
For his part, the Italian Consul reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Palestinian government and continuing to support humanitarian and social efforts, especially in light of the exceptional circumstances facing Palestine. He stressed the importance of partnership with official institutions to enhance response to growing needs.
Dr. Hamad concluded by reaffirming that the ministry is working on two parallel tracks: responding immediately to humanitarian needs and preparing for the recovery and reconstruction phase through system development and strengthened international partnerships.