Turkish NGO begins cleanup, debris removal operations in Gaza

The Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), a prominent Turkish non-governmental organization, has commenced large-scale debris removal and cleanup operations in the Gaza Strip to address widespread destruction from recent conflict. The initiative represents one of the first major coordinated efforts to restore basic infrastructure and accessibility in the besieged territory.

Northern Gaza focus

According to the foundation's Saturday announcement, current operations are concentrated in northern Gaza, where teams using heavy equipment are clearing rubble from residential areas and reopening vital roadways. The work aims to make neighborhoods minimally accessible again, creating safer passage for residents and laying groundwork for future rehabilitation efforts in one of the most severely damaged regions.

Comprehensive aid operations

The cleanup project expands upon IHH's existing humanitarian mission in Gaza, where the organization has been providing essential support including food distribution, temporary shelter, medical assistance, and psychosocial services. The Turkish foundation, established in 1992 and active across numerous international crisis zones, is addressing both immediate survival needs and initial recovery requirements following the recent escalation.

Broader context

These rehabilitation efforts begin as ceasefire discussions continue between conflicting parties. The latest hostilities have resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza health authorities reporting tens of thousands killed and injured since October 2023. IHH's debris removal work represents a critical first step toward recovery amid ongoing humanitarian challenges facing Gaza's population.