Egypt’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people took center stage this week as Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, chaired a high-level meeting of the Committee for Health and Social Support to the Wounded and Sick from Gaza.
Held in Cairo, the meeting was attended by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; and Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. The session focused on strengthening Egypt’s medical and logistical support for Palestinians injured or ill due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Over 7,200 Palestinian Patients Treated in Egypt
Minister Abdel Ghaffar reviewed the current status of medical care provided to Palestinians in Egypt. Since November 2023, a total of 7,277 patients from Gaza have received treatment in 172 Egyptian hospitals. Of those, 1,057 patients remain under medical care, accompanied by 1,657 family members.
Egyptian medical teams have performed 2,978 major surgeries and administered 18,109 vaccine doses, including 13,265 for children — an indicator of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services to Gaza’s most vulnerable.
The Minister also instructed relevant authorities to develop contingency plans in anticipation of new waves of patients, including reinforcing strategic reserves of medicines and medical supplies, boosting training for healthcare teams, and enhancing inter-agency coordination to ensure integrated care.
Cross-Ministerial Coordination to Provide Holistic Support
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy outlined the role of youth and sports facilities in providing psychological, social, and recreational support for both patients and their families. These facilities have been repurposed to create safe and supportive environments during their stay in Egypt.
Dr. Maya Morsy emphasized the contributions of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, which has delivered essential services to patients’ companions. She highlighted the central role of the Egyptian Red Crescent as the national mechanism for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, reiterating that Rafah Crossing remains open for humanitarian assistance. According to the ministry, Egyptian aid has flowed consistently into Gaza, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to alleviating Palestinian suffering.
Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny added that the Ministry of Housing is actively working to improve infrastructure and logistics around hospitals and reception points to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for incoming patients.
Aid Convoys Continue Despite Challenges
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that Egypt maintains the daily flow of 150 to 200 aid trucks through the Rafah border crossing, although logistical constraints limit daily offloading to 70 to 90 trucks within Gaza.
Egypt’s Humanitarian Commitment
The Committee for Health and Social Support reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast position in supporting the Palestinian people by providing comprehensive medical, psychological, and humanitarian assistance, while continuing to coordinate on long-term measures to mitigate the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
