Our Story

The idea of the association was born from a clear humanitarian vision held by Dr. Amina Hamad, a humanitarian expert and psychologist, who recognized that genuine support for people affected by conflict extends far beyond food and shelter. It must also address psychological and social well-being—often an even more urgent need than what is typically recommended or provided. Amid a devastating war, with time limited and organized support largely absent, this realization drove her to seek effective and sustainable solutions that respond to the complex realities faced by affected communities.

This vision took shape during her fieldwork in Al-Mawasi, a civilian humanitarian zone located within the conflict area. There, she witnessed an unprecedented influx of displaced people, exceeding 85,000 individuals, including approximately 50,000 children and 13,000 elderly persons. The camps were severely overcrowded, and basic necessities were nearly nonexistent—ranging from safe drinking water and sanitation systems to continuous food supply and adequate shelter. Drawing on her extensive experience in humanitarian work, Dr. Hamad established the Independent Administrative Body of Mawasi Al-Aqsa at the heart of the Al-Mawasi area. This body served as an initial platform to organize humanitarian response efforts, unify civilians and community elites under a single civil administration, and deliver aid in a rapid and effective manner.

For more than two months, Dr. Hamad worked directly on the ground to address the urgent basic needs of displaced communities. These efforts included providing safe drinking and domestic water, establishing integrated sanitation systems, ensuring continuous food supplies, and improving overall living conditions within the camps—helping transition the situation from a humanitarian catastrophe to a state of relative stability. Over time, however, a critical gap in humanitarian response became evident: psychological and medical needs were largely unmet, not only among displaced populations but across all civilians affected by the war.

As a result, Dr. Hamad’s vision evolved to focus on psychological relief for all individuals impacted by the conflict, not limited solely to displaced persons. Recognizing the magnitude and urgency of this need, she stepped down from her role as head of the administrative body to fully dedicate her efforts to addressing psychological distress. Thousands of civilians were suffering silently from a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, panic disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, attention disorders, identity and personality disorders, among others—often without any form of care, recognition, or intervention.

This journey was not undertaken alone. Dr. Hamad was supported by Ms. Walaa Maala, Mr. Abdul Fattah Hamayel, and Engineer Aya Al-Aswad, whose contributions in planning and field implementation were instrumental in transforming this humanitarian vision into a tangible reality. As activities expanded and the number of beneficiaries and supporters increased, the need for a clear and sustainable legal framework became evident. Consequently, a Board of Directors and a General Assembly were formally established to ensure governance, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Following democratic elections, the Board of Directors was formed as follows:
Dr. Amina Hamad as Chairperson,
Mr. Abdul Fattah Hamayel as Vice Chair,
Ms. Walaa Maala as Secretary,
Ms. Ahlam Tabassi as Treasurer,
with board members Dr. Somaya Al-Sayej, Dr. Anwar Matar, and Dr. Attallah Terzi.

On October 22, 2025, the association obtained its official legal registration from the Palestinian National Authority, becoming a fully recognized and legitimate entity before local and international institutions. The association officially launched its active operations on February 1, 2026, with strong momentum and a well-organized executive team. This followed more than 18 months of prior fieldwork, during which Dr. Hamad—supported by Ms. Walaa Maala, Mr. Abdul Fattah Hamayel, and a field team led by Engineer Aya Al-Aswad—provided psychological and humanitarian services under extremely challenging conflict conditions.

Today, the association operates with a broader and more comprehensive vision, supported by well-structured plans and a larger, highly skilled team. Its work focuses on delivering integrated psychological and developmental relief, strengthening psychological, medical, and developmental resilience within affected communities, and continuously improving operational mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those in need efficiently and responsibly. The association aspires to serve as a leading model for humanitarian action that bridges scientific expertise with field practice, combining emergency relief with sustainable community development to achieve lasting positive impact—even in the most difficult humanitarian contexts.