Türkiye sends 900 tons of humanitarian aid to Egypt for delivery to Gaza

The shipment, organized under Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) in partnership with the Egyptian Red Crescent, includes ready-to-eat meals, canned foods, baby formula, and medical supplies.

The aid will be transported from Al Arish to Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem crossing, extending Türkiye’s ongoing support for Palestinians amid the humanitarian crisis.

According to Turkish authorities, the vessel departed from Mersin International Port earlier this week and is the 17th ship to be sent under AFAD’s coordination since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023.

The aid initiative, supported by 17 Turkish nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), underscores the country’s commitment to sustaining humanitarian deliveries despite logistical and political challenges. Since October 2023, Türkiye has dispatched 16 previous aid ships and 14 aircraft carrying food, medicine, and shelter materials to Gaza.

Türkiye’s ongoing operations reflect one of the largest international relief campaigns for Palestinians since the war began. To date, Ankara’s aid deliveries, coordinated through AFAD have exceeded 20,000 tons, including food, medicine, and emergency shelter materials.

The latest shipment comes amid persistent logistical difficulties and restricted access to Gaza, where humanitarian agencies continue to warn of critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza while criticising Western governments for what he describes as “double standards” in their responses.

Through its sustained humanitarian deliveries, Ankara has positioned itself as a key advocate for Palestinian rights and humanitarian protection, reinforcing its diplomatic presence across the Middle East and Africa.

The latest operation coincides with a fragile cease-fire reached under U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan, aimed at ending a year-long conflict that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and devastated much of Gaza’s infrastructure.

Despite the cease-fire, conditions in Gaza remain dire, and Türkiye’s “Goodness Ships” continue to serve as lifelines for civilians enduring one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.