Palestinian Maintenance Fund and Ministry of Social Development Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Integrated Social and Legal Services for Vulnerable Groups

Ramallah – 15 May 2025
The Palestinian Maintenance Fund (PMF) and the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in the presence of H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development, and Ms. Fatima Al-Mu’aqqit, Director General of the Palestinian Maintenance Fund.

This MoU reflects a strategic partnership grounded in national legislation and public policy frameworks, aiming to strengthen inter-institutional coordination in delivering comprehensive and equitable services to the most vulnerable segments of society, thus ensuring fair access to social justice.

The agreement seeks to consolidate efforts in legal, social, and economic support by coordinating joint awareness-raising activities and enhancing collaboration between PMF and MoSD staff, along with partner institutions across all governorates. The MoU outlines PMF’s commitment to providing legal aid to cases referred by the Ministry, while MoSD pledges to prioritize PMF beneficiaries in accessing health insurance and social assistance—while safeguarding the confidentiality of their personal data.

A core component of the partnership is the integration and continuous updating of data systems between the two institutions, with a specific focus on protecting children and safeguarding their best interests. The MoU also includes a framework for joint outreach campaigns to increase public awareness about available services and access mechanisms.

H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized the vital role of national partnerships in promoting social justice and improving the lives of marginalized populations. She praised the significance of this collaboration, especially amid the ongoing genocide and famine facing children in Gaza. Dr. Hamad noted that this partnership embodies a shared commitment to hope and resilience, aligning with national efforts to ensure equitable access to quality services, particularly in areas most affected by Israeli aggression, including policies of siege, displacement, and systematic restrictions on freedom of movement, education, and all aspects of life.

In her remarks, Ms. Fatima Al-Mu’aqqit underscored that this partnership reaffirms the moral and national responsibility of Palestinian institutions, and represents a form of institutional resilience and resistance. She emphasized that this MoU is a significant step toward expanding the social protection umbrella and securing financial rights for women and children, contributing to the creation of a more just and equitable society—particularly in light of the unprecedented Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.