MoSD and UNICEF Discuss Strengthening Humanitarian Response and Social Protection in Gaza

The Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Samah Hamad, received today a delegation from UNICEF headed by the organization’s Representative in Palestine, Jonathan Veitch, to discuss ways to strengthen joint cooperation in the fields of social protection and support for affected children and families, particularly in the Gaza Strip, in addition to reviewing a number of shared humanitarian and development programs and projects.

Representing the ministry at the meeting were the Minister’s Advisor, Doaa Wadi; the Advisor to the Ministry of State for Relief Affairs, Mahdi Hamdan; the Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection, Akram Al-Hafi; and the Director General of Childhood Affairs, Mohammad Al-Qarm, alongside several staff members from the ministry’s general administrations and specialists. A number of UNICEF delegation members also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Dr. Hamad emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with UNICEF, praising the organization’s role in supporting the social protection sector and assisting Palestinian children and families amid the difficult humanitarian conditions, particularly with the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and the worsening humanitarian and living conditions.

The Minister reviewed the efforts led by the ministry to reorganize the social protection sector through the development of the National Social Protection Network Protocol, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Bank. The initiative aims to regulate social assistance resources, unify beneficiary databases, ensure aid and services reach the most vulnerable groups, and prevent duplication in assistance delivery.

The meeting also addressed the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and the impact of the war on children, particularly in the areas of education, mental health, social protection, and children with disabilities. The UNICEF delegation affirmed its continued efforts to provide psychological and social support, establish temporary educational spaces for children within the Gaza Strip, and continue delivering educational and medical supplies, clothing, and humanitarian aid.

Both parties also discussed the “The Gaza We Want” initiative, implemented by UNICEF with the participation of thousands of children in Gaza. The initiative aims to listen to children’s aspirations and future needs and involve them in shaping their vision for the future of the Gaza Strip, while also highlighting the importance of strengthening children’s participation and protecting their rights under the current circumstances.

The meeting further discussed the importance of enhancing field coordination within the Gaza Strip and exchanging data and information related to assistance and services provided to families and children, in a way that strengthens integration between governmental institutions and international partners and contributes to improving the humanitarian response and social services provided to citizens.

The meeting witnessed the signing of a joint work plan between the ministry and UNICEF, in addition to the signing of an agreement concerning aid funded by China, which includes winter supplies, clothing, and medical assistance designated for the Gaza Strip.

At the conclusion of the meeting, commemorative shields were exchanged between the two sides, reaffirming the depth of the partnership and cooperation between the ministry and UNICEF, and expressing appreciation for the joint efforts aimed at supporting Palestinian children and families and strengthening their resilience in the face of ongoing humanitarian challenges.