A vessel laden with humanitarian assistance for Gaza is scheduled to embark from southern Turkey.
Under the supervision of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), a total of 1,900 tons of aid, encompassing provisions such as food, medical supplies, hygiene products, and shelter materials, were loaded onto the “Turkey-Qatar Gaza Goodness Ship” at Mersin International Port. This initiative was announced by the state-run organization on Wednesday.
Following the completion of preparations at Mersin International Port, the ship will commence its journey with a ceremonial departure. It is anticipated to reach Al Arish Port in Egypt, the closest port to Gaza, approximately 40 hours later.
To date, a cumulative total of 52,016 tons of diverse humanitarian aid has been dispatched to Gaza through the collaboration of AFAD, the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Foundations, the Turkish Red Crescent, and various non-governmental organizations, utilizing 13 aircraft and 10 ships.
In response to the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7th, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza.
According to Palestinian health authorities, nearly 34,800 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, with 78,100 others injured.
Seven months into the conflict, extensive areas of Gaza have been devastated, leading to 85 percent of the population being internally displaced, amidst severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine due to a blockade, as reported by the UN.
Israel is facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. In an interim ruling in January, the court stated that it is “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The court ordered Tel Aviv to cease such actions and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
