Ramallah:The Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with the Government Communication Centre, held a press conference to discuss its achievements under the 19th Palestinian Government from 2024 to 2026. The conference focused on key interventions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including humanitarian response, protection, care, rehabilitation, economic empowerment, and reforms to the social protection system.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, Dr. Mohammad Abu Al-Rob, Director of the Government Communication Centre, highlighted the challenges posed by Israel's withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues and the deteriorating economic situation. These factors have exacerbated hardships for families in need of healthcare and other assistance. The Palestinian Government has responded by strengthening partnerships with international organizations and adopting the National Social Registry to deliver aid effectively.
Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, emphasized the Ministry's approach to social protection as a national safety net that integrates emergency relief with recovery and development. She noted that interventions from 2024 to 2026 amounted to approximately NIS 3.43 billion, supporting families in need through various assistance programs guided by the National Social Registry.
Hamad also provided details on humanitarian responses in Gaza, including cash, food, and in-kind assistance. The Ministry and partners delivered substantial aid despite significant challenges, reaching numerous families with emergency cash and food distributions. Protection services for women, children, and orphans were also highlighted, including psychosocial and legal support initiatives.
In the West Bank, including Jerusalem, the Ministry provided essential social services and continued emergency cash assistance in cooperation with the Cash Working Group. The Ministry also supported health insurance beneficiaries and implemented relief programs for displaced families, maintaining essential services amidst economic and political challenges.
Hamad discussed efforts in protection, care, and rehabilitation, including interventions for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Economic empowerment projects were implemented to promote self-reliance, while partnerships with civil society organizations helped sustain specialized care services.
Institutional reforms included the development of the National Social Registry and digital transformations to improve service delivery. The Ministry's legislative efforts focused on protecting vulnerable groups and enhancing governance frameworks.
Concluding the conference, Hamad reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to sustaining social protection services and enhancing resilience and recovery for Palestinian families.