Egypt's Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday of the national committee for health and social support to Gaza's wounded and ill, alongside the ministers of youth, social solidarity, and housing, to assess and enhance ongoing medical and humanitarian aid efforts. Since November 2023, 172 Egyptian hospitals have treated 7,277 Palestinian patients, according to Abdel Ghaffar. Of these, 1,057 remain under medical care, accompanied by 1,657 relatives. Egyptian medical teams have performed 2,978 major surgeries and administered 18,109 vaccine doses, including 13,265 for children. The minister instructed relevant authorities to prepare for potential new waves of patients by increasing strategic reserves of medicines and medical supplies, reinforcing medical teams, and improving coordination among state agencies. Youth Minister Ashraf Sobhi announced that youth and sports centers are being utilized to offer psychological, social, and recreational support for both patients and their families. Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy affirmed her ministry's commitment to meeting the basic needs of accompanying families, underscoring the Egyptian Red Crescent's pivotal role in aid distribution. She also emphasized that the Rafah crossing has remained consistently open for humanitarian assistance, with aid convoys operating without interruption. Housing Minister Sherif El-Shorbiny highlighted the logistical support being provided near hospitals and reception centers to ensure smooth operations. Health Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar noted that Egypt is dispatching between 150 and 200 aid trucks daily through the Rafah crossing. However, only 70 to 90 trucks are currently being unloaded inside Gaza due to logistical constraints. The committee reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive medical and humanitarian aid to Palestinians, pledging continued efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
