By Gazette Staff

Copyright egyptian-gazette

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar chaired on Tuesday a meeting of the Health and Social Support Committee for the Wounded and Sick from the Gaza Strip. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Social Solidarity, Maya Morsi, and Minister of Housing, Sherif el-Sherbiny.

The committee discussed how to enhance medical and logistical support for Palestinians injured or taken ill during the current crisis, which includes increasing the readiness of Egyptian hospitals and providing comprehensive health care the Gazans.

Minister Abdel-Ghaffarreported that since November 2023, 172 Egyptian hospitals have treated 7,277 Palestinian patients. Of these, 1,057 are still receiving treatment, accompanied by 1,657 relatives.

Doctors have carried out 2,978 major surgeries and administered 18,109 vaccine doses, of which 13,265 were for children, highlighting Egypt’s ongoing support for Palestinian healthcare needs.

Minister Sobhi underlined the use of youth and sports facilities to provide psychological, social, and recreational support for the Palestinian injured and their families.

The minister of social solidarity detailed the ministry’s assistance to patients’ families, in addition to the Egyptian Red Crescent’s role in delivering aid to Gaza. Morsi emphasised that the Rafah border crossing remains open for humanitarian aid and that Egypt’s support has not wavered.

Minister el-Sherbiny stated that the Ministry of Housing is working to improve services and provide logistical support around hospitals and entry points to ensure a safe environment for Palestinian patients.

Egypt continues to send between 150 and 200 aid lorries daily through the Rafah crossing, according toHealth Ministry Spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar. However, he noted that due to logistical challenges inside Gaza, only 70 to 90 lorries can be unloaded each day.

The committee reiterated Egypt’s commitment to providing comprehensive medical and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and alleviating their suffering during the ongoing crisis.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the war-devastated Gaza is catastrophic, with nearly 90% of residents displaced and living in streets or makeshift tents, UNRWA spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna told Sky News Arabia yesterday.