Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), on Tuesday, to discuss humanitarian cooperation concerning the Gaza Strip and Egypt's role in providing aid. The meeting, which was attended by Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy and Ambassador Mohamed Mounir, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Humanitarian Affairs, underscored the existing partnership between Egypt and the IFRC. Madbouly commended the IFRC as the "largest network of humanitarian organisations", comprising more than 190 national societies and 16 million volunteers. He affirmed Egypt's commitment to continued collaboration with the IFRC, particularly regarding the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. "Egypt will remain committed to providing the necessary assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip," Madbouly stated. However, he also lamented "Israeli practices that prevent the entry of aid," stressing that Gaza residents are in "dire need" of assistance, especially during Ramadan. Madbouly noted that despite challenges, Egypt had delivered over 7,000 aid trucks to Gaza between January 19 and March 2. He also stated that "70% of this assistance came from Egypt" since the beginning of the crisis in October 2023. He expressed his hope that the IFRC's network of associations would participate in implementing the early recovery and reconstruction plan, particularly in its initial six-month phase. The Prime Minister also addressed Egypt's efforts in hosting Sudanese refugees, highlighting the establishment of five humanitarian service points along the border with Sudan by the Egyptian Red Crescent. Furthermore, he affirmed Egypt's commitment to the sovereignty, unity, security, and stability of Syria. Forbes praised the cooperation between the IFRC and the Egyptian government and recognised Egypt's "prominent role" in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. She noted that her meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi also addressed this point. "Egypt played the most prominent role in terms of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," Forbes stated. Forbes said the IFRC looks forward to cooperating with Egypt on the humanitarian aspects of the Gaza reconstruction plan. She added that the IFRC aspires to increase cooperation with Egypt by expanding its regional activities from there. Forbes also commended Egypt's support for Sudanese refugees. Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy expressed her gratitude for the Prime Minister's support in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. She affirmed her anticipation for collaborating with the IFRC on the humanitarian component of the reconstruction plan.
