Doha, November 04 (QNA) - HE Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents a pioneering model of Moral and humanitarian commitment toward Palestine, defending the legitimate political, humanitarian, and developmental rights of its people.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE said that the continuous support and genuine partnership with the State of Qatar are highly appreciated, as they embody the depth of Arab solidarity and a unified stance in defending Palestinian rights.

She explained that Palestine's participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha aligns with its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, with a focus on social protection and ensuring human dignity.

The participation aims to highlight the unprecedented social challenges faced by Palestinian families under occupation and to develop innovative solutions to provide social protection and justice for Palestinian households, she added.

Regarding the hosting of the Summit in the State of Qatar, HE noted its significant implications, as Qatar is recognized for investing in human and social development and for successfully combining economic growth with social justice, strengthening its role as a hub for Arab dialogue on development.

HE the Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs underlined that the State of Qatar plays an influential role in supporting social protection programs, education, healthcare, and humanitarian response during crises. She noted that this support has contributed to enhancing the resilience of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through initiatives for orphans and low-income families, and through development programs implemented in cooperation with the Qatari government, Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development collaborates with Qatari institutions, the United Nations, and civil society to ensure the sustainability of social protection programs through data exchange and a national social registry, ensuring coordination and avoiding duplication in aid delivery, while emphasizing economic empowerment, employment programs, and social and educational services, she added.

Regarding the challenges facing Palestine, Dr. Samah Hamad explained that the ministry continues to provide emergency humanitarian, food, and cash assistance to families affected by war and occupation, including orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, alongside implementing psychosocial support programs for children and affected families and activating a joint government operations room to coordinate relief efforts and ensure aid reaches all governorates, including isolated areas in Gaza.

HE also stressed the importance of building an integrated social solidarity network combining civil society, governments, and donor countries to strengthen social protection for the most vulnerable groups. She added that the issue of orphans remains among the most urgent, with continuous development of care, shelter, protection, and education centers for children in need, alongside unifying orphan data nationally to ensure integration and prevent duplication.

On the summit's contribution to enhancing Arab integration, she said that it represents an opportunity to strengthen Arab cooperation in the social field, exchange experiences, and launch collective Arab initiatives to support countries affected by conflicts and crises, foremost among them Palestine, ensuring the protection of human dignity and promoting comprehensive development.

Dr. Samah Hamad concluded the interview by expressing deep appreciation to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, for its ongoing support of the Palestinian people at humanitarian, developmental, and political levels, while affirming Palestine’s aspiration to continue expanding partnership with Qatar to strengthen Palestinian people's resilience and preserve their human dignity. (QNA)