A massive Turkish ship carrying 900 tons of food aid has departed for Egypt to be delivered to the war-torn Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday, the vessel left Mersin International Port in southern Turkey, bound for Egypt’s Al-Arish Port. The shipment has been organized by Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent and 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The food supplies will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing between Gaza and Israel, following inspection in Egypt. The shipment includes ready-to-eat meals, canned foods, and infant formula.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya attended the departure ceremony at the port. “Another ship is heading toward Gaza,” he said. “This vessel carries 900 tons of general food items, canned products, and baby formula across the Mediterranean.”
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been carrying out relentless attacks on Gaza and has imposed a complete blockade, cutting off food, fuel, and medical supplies. This has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Despite the blockade, Turkey has continued sending aid to Gaza. So far, the country has dispatched 17 ships and 14 aircraft loaded with humanitarian food supplies.
Meanwhile, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 200,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes, according to reports up to the time of writing.
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, was reached last week. Although fragile, the truce remains in effect as of now.
Source: TRT Africa.