CAIRO: Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has met with Turkish officials to explore avenues to provide humanitarian assistance to war-hit Gaza, Turkish media reported on Wednesday.
Okay Memis, head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meric Yilmaz met with Egyptian minister in Cairo.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar during the meeting stressed the common responsibility and deep concern of Türkiye and Egypt for Palestinians. He expressed readiness to accept casualties from Gaza for medical assistance or to offer medical services within Gaza if needed.
He said both countries are eager to extend their assistance but the approval of Israel is required in this matter. He further said it is a sad that despite having the necessary resources at our disposal we are not able to deliver these services.
Israel’s restrictions stop injured from leaving war zone
The minister said Israel’s restrictions stop the injured from leaving the war zone.
The heads of AFAD and the Red Crescent also held a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.
The AFAD and Red Crescent delegations, which arrived in Cairo on Tuesday are likely to continue diplomatic efforts and engagements on Thursday in Egypt.
The conflict in Gaza started when Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation against Israel on October 7. The group said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Gaza targeting civilians. At least 6,546 Palestinians have been killed in conflict so far. 2.3 million residents of Palestinian enclave have been running out of food, water, medicine and fuel.
