Dr. Nevin El-Qabaj, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, met with Mark Bracinson Richardson, the British Foreign Minister’s Humanitarian Envoy to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, during his visit to Cairo. The meeting focused on fostering cooperation mechanisms between the two countries in various mutual interest areas and discussing Egypt’s efforts regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and facilitating the entry of humanitarian supplies.
Dr. El-Qabaj outlined the role of the Egyptian state in the current events, where Egypt’s leadership, government, and people have taken a firm stance affirming the Palestinian people’s right to their land. Extensive efforts have been made to coordinate and send humanitarian aid to Gaza, in collaboration with regional and international states, organizations, and Egyptian civil society groups from the National Alliance for Civil Action Development interested in providing vital assistance to Gaza.
Regarding the role of the Egyptian Red Crescent in relief operations and disaster and crisis times, Dr. El-Qabaj explained that coordination has been made to provide urgent humanitarian aid and support with the Red Crescent in Palestine and the International Committee of the Red Cross, along with UN organizations. Priorities and urgent needs for the Gaza Strip have been identified, including psychological support and providing urgent humanitarian aid to the affected people in Gaza, including food, water, medicine, and essential medical supplies. Six logistic areas and nine warehouses have been established to receive assistance from various countries, with volunteers playing a crucial and efficient role in the high-efficiency logistic system. Additionally, the Ministry of Social Solidarity supports Palestinians in the city of Arish and provides relief services to those crossing through the Rafah Border Crossing, including accompanying patients.
Dr. El-Qabaj also referred to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, indicating that there are approximately 53,000 pregnant women in the Gaza Strip who cannot access basic health services. Egyptian medical teams are receiving newborns from Gaza, in addition to efforts in caring for children who have lost their families, including nearly 130 orphans and thousands of missing persons. Cooperation with the Palestinian Red Crescent has led to the establishment and equipping of a camp in Khan Yunis.
In a related context, Dr. El-Qabaj highlighted Egypt’s hosting of nine million refugees and migrants of various nationalities who receive basic services on par with Egyptian citizens. The meeting shed light on the Sudanese crisis and Egypt’s efforts to deal with its repercussions.
Regarding relief efforts, Dr. El-Qabaj pointed out the existence of 28 relief centers across the republic, equipped with all relief necessities and coordinating with the efforts of the Supreme Committee headed by the Prime Minister to monitor the crisis. She emphasized efforts at both local and international levels, including relief efforts in crises in Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and the Egyptian Red Crescent, with its 27 branches, 9 hospitals, and 20,000 volunteers. She also noted the role of UN organizations in providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for the international community to take responsibility for this humanitarian crisis, as there is a need for more missions and aid given the increasing demand.
Mark Bracinson Richardson, the British Foreign Minister’s Humanitarian Envoy, expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian state and political leadership’s efforts in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and welcomed cooperation in this regard.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on ways of cooperation between the two sides, including providing medical supplies, sustenance, shelter, blankets, and other vital necessities urgently needed by the people of the Gaza Strip. They also discussed cooperation with international partners and UN organizations to increase efforts in bringing more humanitarian aid, food, and fuel into the Gaza Strip.