Minister of Health receives new shipment of French medical aid for wounded Palestinians

CAIRO – 21 July 2026: Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, affirmed that the medical grant provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs embodies the depth of strategic relations between Egypt and France, reflecting shared humanitarian values and a mutual commitment to supporting the Palestinian people.

Speaking at a press conference during the handover ceremony at the National Complex for Sera and Vaccines in Helwan, Abdel Ghaffar explained that the 22-ton shipment of medicines, supplies, and medical equipment will enhance the capacity of Egyptian hospitals to care for wounded and ill Palestinian patients.

 

The event was attended by Eleanor Carois, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad; Éric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Egypt; Clément Vidal de la Blache, Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD); and several senior officials from both nations.

Abdel Ghaffar noted that France’s response since the onset of the Gaza crisis has been swift and sustained. He highlighted the deployment of a French hospital ship off the coast of El-Arish, which conducted over 1,000 medical consultations and performed more than 120 surgeries, alongside direct aid deliveries and the transfer of critical cases to hospitals in France.

He emphasized that bilateral cooperation extends beyond immediate relief to encompass sustainable long-term health initiatives. In collaboration with the AFD, these include supporting Egypt's primary healthcare system, expanding universal health coverage, and enhancing maternal and child health programs—as well as partnering with the Gustave Roussy Institute to treat Palestinian children with cancer.

For her part, Carois expressed France's deep appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in receiving and treating approximately 100 wounded Palestinians daily, affirming that the new grant aims to relieve pressure on Egyptian hospitals and alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.

She commended the efforts of the Egyptian government and Dr. Abdel Ghaffar, reiterating France's commitment to mobilizing international support and pursuing peace through a two-state solution. Following the press conference, the ministers inspected the medical shipment, with Abdel Ghaffar directing that the supplies be immediately dispatched to designated hospitals.