What is the most challenging aspect of your work at the moment?
Operating in a highly volatile and restrictive context remains the primary challenge. Ongoing occupation, movement restrictions and recurrent escalations of violence limit access to communities, disrupt service delivery and pose risks to both beneficiaries and staff. At the same time, prolonged exposure to trauma has led to a sharp rise in mental health and psychosocial needs, far exceeding available resources. Fear of retaliation, low trust and limited awareness of reporting mechanisms continue to prevent many survivors from seeking support.
How are you addressing these challenges in practice?
We rely on flexible operational approaches that allow us to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Close cooperation with local partners and community focal points helps ensure continuity of services, even during closures or movement restrictions. Our teams operate across all governorates, with permanent mental health specialists based locally to provide sustained support.
Capacity building of psychologists, social workers and first responders remains a core focus, alongside collaboration with community-based organizations. We have also established a psychological support hotline to reach individuals who cannot access services locally. And also staff well-being and coordination with key stakeholders are prioritized to reduce operational risks.
What has made a tangible difference in your work over the past year?
Over the past year, we have strengthened partnerships with civil society organizations and government institutions to improve coordination, clarify roles and build institutional and technical capacity. This has enhanced the quality of interventions, expanded outreach and improved referral mechanisms, contributing to more timely and relevant support for affected communities.
What gives you hope for 2026 in your work, and why?
Our hope lies in the resilience of Palestinian communities and the growing capacity of local institutions and professionals to respond under difficult conditions. Each survivor who regains stability, dignity or the confidence to claim their rights underscores the importance of this work. Continued collaboration, investment in local capacity and the perseverance of human rights defenders provide grounds for cautious optimism, despite an uncertain future.
