RAMALLAH, June 18, 2026 (WAFA) -- The Ministry of Social Development continued throughout 2025 to implement comprehensive protection and care interventions targeting the most vulnerable groups in Palestinian society, including children, persons with disabilities, older persons, women survivors of violence, and orphans, as part of its efforts to strengthen social protection and ensure access to specialized services.
In the field of child protection, the Ministry successfully reintegrated 1,270 children with their families and provided care and protection services to 2,100 juveniles. It also protected 130 children through the Child Protection and Development Center, while supporting 211 juveniles at Dar Al-Amal Institution and 32 girls at the Girls' Care Center.
Efforts were further expanded to strengthen alternative care services for children deprived of family care, alongside enhanced oversight of childcare centers through licensing, monitoring visits, awareness activities, and rehabilitation programs.
Regarding orphan care, sponsorships were provided for approximately 17,000 orphans in the Gaza Strip, while 9,000 orphan sponsorships were followed up in the West Bank. The Ministry also facilitated educational grants, medical assistance, and new sponsorship opportunities, in addition to seasonal support programs that included school supplies, Eid clothing, winter clothing, and sacrificial meat distributions.
In the area of disability services, more than 520 persons with disabilities received assistive devices and equipment. Children with disabilities benefited from rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services, while nearly 200 beneficiaries received vocational rehabilitation.
Home-based care was also provided to individuals with severe disabilities, and social inclusion interventions reached more than 2,500 beneficiaries. The Ministry further promoted disability rights through national reporting mechanisms and support for customs and tax exemptions on disability vehicles.
For older persons, the Ministry delivered institutional, home-based, and day-care services, in addition to psychosocial support, legal assistance, healthcare support, awareness programs, and social and recreational activities. Thousands of older persons benefited from these interventions, contributing to their well-being, dignity, and social inclusion.
The Ministry also strengthened protection services for women, providing specialized support to 850 women survivors of violence in the West Bank. Services included shelter, legal assistance, psychosocial support, economic empowerment, vocational rehabilitation, and case management. In the Gaza Strip, despite severe humanitarian challenges, approximately 3,000 women benefited from protection, counseling, shelter, and legal support services.
The Ministry said these achievements reflect its ongoing commitment to building an inclusive and responsive social protection system that safeguards vulnerable groups and promotes their well-being, resilience, and active participation in society.
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