MoSD Discusses Enhanced Cooperation and Support for Relief and Social Protection Efforts with Brazil’s Special Representative for the Middle East
Ramallah – Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, received today Ambassador Clevio Neivaldo Filho, Brazil’s Special Representative for the Middle East, in the presence of a number of Ministry officials. Discussions focused on the humanitarian and social situation in Palestine and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the fields of social protection, humanitarian relief, and support for the most vulnerable groups.
At the outset of the meeting, the Brazilian Ambassador reaffirmed his country's support for the rights of the Palestinian people, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and the two-state solution. He also emphasized Brazil’s commitment to gaining a direct understanding of the humanitarian and social conditions in Palestine and to strengthening cooperation with Palestinian institutions.
Dr. Hamad presented an overview of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the continued loss of civilian lives and the worsening suffering of the population amid restrictions on the entry of humanitarian assistance. She stressed that the basic needs of the population remain far from being adequately met and that the highest priority is to end civilian suffering and ensure the regular and effective flow of humanitarian aid.
The Minister also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, pointing to the unprecedented rise in settler violence, settlement expansion, closures, and restrictions on movement, in addition to the consequences of the forced displacement of thousands of families from refugee camps and communities. She noted the resulting increase in needs related to housing, education, healthcare, and social protection.
Dr. Hamad emphasized that people across Palestine are primarily concerned with two critical priorities: ensuring children’s continued access to education and creating employment opportunities to strengthen household economic resilience. She noted that the Ministry continues to work with local and international partners to provide social services and protection for the most vulnerable groups despite escalating humanitarian and financial challenges.
The Minister reviewed the Government’s efforts during the ceasefire period through the Government Operations Room, which coordinated humanitarian and relief interventions in the Gaza Strip in partnership with international organizations, UN agencies, and the private sector. These efforts contributed to harmonizing interventions, identifying priorities, and preventing duplication in the delivery of services and assistance.
She also outlined the Palestinian Government’s ongoing reform agenda, which includes strengthening public financial management, enhancing governance and public services, advancing digital transformation, and improving the social protection system through the integration of databases and social assistance programs into a unified national system based on household needs and aimed at ensuring fairness and efficiency in the distribution of assistance and services.
Discussions also covered international efforts related to early recovery and the reconstruction of Gaza. Dr. Hamad noted that the Palestinian Government has prepared the necessary plans and assessments for this phase in cooperation with international partners. However, implementation remains contingent upon the availability of the appropriate political conditions and the required financing. She stressed the importance of preserving the unity of the Palestinian territory and ensuring that all recovery and reconstruction efforts are carried out within the framework of the Palestinian State and its official institutions.
The Minister further called on Brazil to continue supporting international initiatives related to social protection and the fight against hunger and poverty, and to contribute to mobilizing funding for programs targeting children, women, and the most vulnerable families in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. She commended Brazil’s role in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
The meeting also addressed the importance of continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), given its critical role in delivering services to Palestinian refugees and safeguarding their rights, particularly in light of the growing humanitarian needs and the challenges facing the Agency.
For his part, the Brazilian Ambassador expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Palestinian Government and the Ministry of Social Development under the current exceptional circumstances. He reaffirmed Brazil’s interest in continuing cooperation with the Palestinian side and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening social protection and responding to the humanitarian and development needs of the Palestinian people.