Egypt Allocates USD 570 Million for Medical Aid to Palestinians

Egypt has provided healthcare services worth USD 570 million to over 107,000 Palestinians who have crossed into Egypt since the start of Israel’s escalated genocide in Gaza, according to Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration, attended by foreign ambassadors and international organisations to discuss efforts to rehabilitate Gaza’s healthcare sector.

The meeting, hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration Badr Abdel Aty, included a presentation on Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, developed in coordination with the Palestinian government. Abdel Aty emphasised that a stable ceasefire, a structured early recovery phase, and ensuring Palestinian ownership of the reconstruction process are essential for the plan’s success. He also noted Egypt and Jordan’s ongoing efforts to train Palestinian police forces in preparation for their deployment in Gaza.

During the meeting, Abdel Ghaffar outlined Egypt’s emergency health response, addressing the deteriorating medical infrastructure in Gaza, where over 70% of healthcare facilities have been rendered inoperative as a result of Israel’s attacks. He detailed Egypt’s proposed strategy to rebuild and enhance Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring it meets essential medical needs.

Egypt is also working on organising an international conference in Cairo to secure funding for the reconstruction plan, which has garnered significant regional and global support. Additionally, discussions are underway about a potential UN Security Council resolution to establish an international presence in Gaza and the West Bank, which could include peacekeeping or protection forces aimed at ensuring stability and paving the way for an independent Palestinian state.

These discussions come as Israel continues to attack the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a statement condemning the most recent of these attacks, which has caused over 300 casualties amongst Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the early morning of March 18th - the highest count since the start of the current ceasefire.