Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has approved Tuesday new measures to widen the government's support for families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty — including, for the first time, diplomats lost abroad. The decision followed a briefing with top officials from the Fund for Honouring Martyrs, Victims, Missing and Injured of War, Terrorist, and Security Operations and Their Families. Sisi reviewed the fund's annual report and praised its efforts to strengthen coordination with state agencies to deliver services to affected families, according to a presidential statement. As part of the new initiatives, the president endorsed the "Egypt Is with You" Programme, set to begin in January 2026, which will provide financial support to minors who are children of fallen soldiers, police officers, and civilians. The initiative will be managed by Misr Life Insurance Company under the supervision of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), with funds made available when beneficiaries reach adulthood. Sisi also directed the ministry of higher education to offer tuition exemptions and discounts for the children of martyrs and injured personnel in public and private universities, while the ministry of health will provide free medical treatment for civilians covered by the fund who are not insured. The president's decision to include foreign ministry diplomats among the beneficiaries, the statement said, reflects "his appreciation for their sacrifices in representing Egypt abroad." The move underscores a broader government effort to expand recognition and support for those who have died in service to the country — whether on the battlefield, in security operations, or in diplomatic missions. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
