Sahar Ragab
Turkey’s 20th “Ship of Goodness”, carrying approximately 1,400 tons of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip, arrived at Egypt’s Al-Arish Port on January 25, as part of ongoing Turkish relief efforts to support the Palestinian people amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The shipment, prepared by the Turkish Red Crescent, includes food supplies, hygiene kits, clothing, shelter materials, and children’s essentials. The aid will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent, which will oversee its transportation to Gaza through Al-Arish Port under the established humanitarian coordination mechanism.
Turkish Ambassador Welcomes the Ship and Thanks Egypt
The ship was received by Turkey’s Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, who expressed appreciation for Egypt’s cooperation in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Ambassador Şen stated that the arrival of the 20th Ship of Goodness aims to meet the urgent needs of the oppressed and suffering people in Gaza. He added that the pace of humanitarian aid shipments from Turkey is expected to increase in the coming period, particularly following the establishment of humanitarian peace initiatives endorsed by Turkey.
Expectations of Increased Aid During Ramadan
The ambassador voiced confidence that the generous Turkish people will contribute further donations during the upcoming month of Ramadan, noting that additional relief supplies will be delivered through Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and various humanitarian organizations and institutions.
Hope for Rafah Crossing Reopening
Ambassador Şen emphasized that Turkey is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, stressing that humanitarian relief operations on the ground would accelerate significantly once the crossing is opened. He added that relief activities, including those in the health sector, would be intensified in close cooperation with Egypt.
He also expressed hope that Gaza residents currently in Egypt will be able to return to their homeland safely, with dignity, and as soon as possible.
Appreciation for Egyptian Authorities
In closing, the Turkish ambassador extended his thanks to all Egyptian authorities, particularly the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and the North Sinai Governorate, for their continued cooperation and support in facilitating humanitarian relief efforts.