Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has revealed that more than 300 hospitals across the country have treated Palestinians from Gaza since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, with the cost of care exceeding $500 million.
In an interview with Extra News, Abdel Ghaffar underscored Egypt’s unparalleled role in supporting the Palestinian cause, both historically and during the current crisis.
“No country in the world has offered as much support to the Palestinian cause as Egypt, in terms of sacrifices, martyrs, financial resources, and other forms of support,” he said.
Abdel Ghaffar explained that Egypt had been on high alert since 7 October, when the escalation in Gaza began.
“Presidential directives were issued to raise the level of preparedness to provide support to our Palestinian brothers,” he noted. “We have begun by identifying approximately 35,000 doctors and approximately 25,000 nurses, as well as more than 35 hospitals, 150 ambulances, and 1,800 intensive care units.”
He highlighted that from 1 November, when Egypt began receiving patients through the Rafah crossing, until the point when shelling and subsequent Israeli control of the border halted operations, Egyptian hospitals handled an unprecedented influx of patients.
“A medical epic unfolded, including thousands of advanced surgical operations and the reception of 110,000 injured Palestinians and their families,” Abdel Ghaffar said.
The minister added that Egypt’s commitment continues to grow, with hundreds of hospitals housing Palestinian patients despite the rising costs. “We have reached 300 hospitals that house Palestinian patients, and Egypt has spent more than half a billion dollars in the health sector alone. What Egypt is providing to the Palestinian cause is a national duty, and its historical role will remain the greatest supporter of the Palestinian cause.”
Abdel Ghaffar reiterated Egypt’s readiness to receive more patients from Gaza despite the ongoing challenges, stressing that Egypt’s humanitarian commitment extends beyond Palestine. “We are obligated by history and geography to provide support to our brothers, even from Sudan, to whom we have provided support, aid, and assistance. The political leadership is aware and is acting wisely in all these matters,” he concluded.
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