Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, met with Mrs. Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and her accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting witnessed the presence of Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Mr. Hisham Mohamed, Director of the Minister’s Office, and Ms. Amira Taj, Director General of the General Department of International Relations and Agreements.
During the meeting, Dr. Morsy and Mrs. Forbes discussed the ongoing humanitarian efforts by the Egyptian Red Crescent in response to the crisis in Gaza, which has escalated since October 2023. Mrs. Forbes expressed her gratitude to Dr. Morsy and the Egyptian Red Crescent for their steadfast efforts, particularly as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
Mrs. Forbes highlighted the vital role of the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordinating with the IFRC, noting how the combined efforts have mobilized substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. She emphasized the importance of continued support for the Egyptian Red Crescent in its role as a key humanitarian agency supporting Egypt’s domestic and regional efforts, particularly in neighboring countries. She also stressed the significance of volunteerism, recounting her 44 years of experience in volunteer work in the United States, and underlining the reach of the IFRC, which collaborates with 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide, involving 16 million volunteers.
Morsy expressed her appreciation for Mrs. Forbes’ remarks, affirming that the Egyptian Red Crescent is indeed the national mechanism for coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. She highlighted that the Egyptian Red Crescent has 35,000 volunteers, many of whom are young people, and plays a crucial role in facilitating international aid as per its assigned responsibilities.
Dr. Morsy also noted the growing humanitarian challenges in Gaza, Sudan, and the broader Arab region. She stressed that the majority of the humanitarian aid being delivered to Gaza is Egyptian, with the Egyptian civil society rallying support from across the country. She further emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to mobilize resources for Gaza and called on international donors to ensure their contributions are sent promptly, especially given the escalating suffering of children and women in the region.
The conversation also touched on the Palestinian casualties and their accompanying relatives who have been received by Egypt since the onset of the crisis. Many of the injured are children, and they require urgent medical, psychological, and humanitarian support.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of continued cooperation and coordination between the Egyptian Red Crescent and the IFRC in responding to the humanitarian and relief needs in the region.
