19th Turkish aid ship carrying 1,300 tons of supplies departs for Gaza

A Turkish Red Crescent vessel carrying roughly 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid destined for Gaza has departed from the port of Mersin, marking the 19th such shipment organized by Türkiye. The "Goodness Ship," loaded with food, hygiene items, clothing, and blankets, is en route to Egypt's El-Arish port for subsequent transfer into Gaza, underscoring ongoing relief efforts accelerated since the recent ceasefire.

An 'uninterrupted bridge of hope' to Gaza

At a send-off ceremony, Turkish Red Crescent Board Member Kamil Karadeniz described the mission as carrying "the compassion, prayers, and humanitarian responsibility of the Turkish nation" to Gaza. He stated the organization has delivered over 18,000 tons of aid to date, creating "an uninterrupted bridge of hope." Karadeniz highlighted ongoing soup kitchen operations in Gaza that have provided more than 8 million hot meals under extremely difficult conditions.

Kosovo's contribution and a message of shared humanity

The latest shipment includes contributions from Kosovo, which donated $580,000 to the campaign. Kosovo's Ambassador to Ankara, Agon Vrenezi, addressed the ceremony, calling the aid a sincere act of solidarity that reflects a shared belief in human dignity. "The ship departing today carries not only the materials we are sending, but also our shared compassion, our will for solidarity, and our belief in a more hopeful tomorrow," Vrenezi stated.

Sustained Turkish leadership in Gaza relief

The dispatch reinforces Türkiye's prominent role in coordinating and delivering international humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The ceremony, attended by local officials, concluded with a prayer before the ship's departure. This continuous maritime aid corridor represents a significant channel of support alongside other diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives led by Ankara since the conflict began.