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Türkiye’s 20th “Ship of Goodness” arrived Sunday at Egypt’s Al-Arish port carrying 1,400 tons of relief supplies intended for the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
The ship, which departed from Mersin International Port on Jan. 23, is loaded with essential humanitarian aid aimed at meeting Gaza’s urgent needs, including food, hygiene products, clothing, blankets, shelter materials and baby supplies.
Speaking after the ship’s arrival, Türkiye’s ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Sen, said Gaza is “entering a new phase” following the formation of the “Peace Council,” as Ramadan approaches.
He said the vessel, operated by the Turkish Red Crescent, reached Al-Arish loaded with relief items, including tents, blankets, clothing materials and hygiene supplies.
In a post on his official account, Sen described the shipment as essential for the winter months, saying it includes basic shelter and nonfood items. He put the total cargo at 3,800 pallets.
Sen said Turkish Red Crescent teams will work from Al-Arish in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent to “make every possible effort” to deliver the assistance to Gaza as quickly as possible.
He added that further aid could follow through Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, and other Turkish institutions and charities, particularly during Ramadan.
The ambassador thanked Egyptian authorities for supporting humanitarian operations, specifically citing Egypt’s Interior Ministry, the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the North Sinai governorate.
He also said they are “eagerly awaiting” the opening of the Rafah border crossing, arguing that relief operations, including health-sector support, would accelerate once the crossing reopens.
Sen said the ship, named Princess Nabiha, was received at Al-Arish port in the presence of the port’s managing director and CEO Ihab Bek, Turkish Red Crescent representative in Egypt Amin Buyuraz, officials from both the Turkish and Egyptian Red Crescents, and members of AFAD.
The ambassador’s remarks come amid conflicting signals over the Rafah crossing. Its opening is included in the first phase of a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to reopen it, most recently on Jan. 6, linking the move to the handover of the last Israeli remains held by Hamas.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari has rejected what he called “political blackmail,” saying talks were ongoing to reach an understanding to open the crossing.
Separately, Ali Shaath, head of Gaza’s administrative committee, said Thursday during the launch of the “Peace Council,” held under the patronage of the U.S. president, that Rafah would reopen in both directions this week. Israeli media reported Friday that U.S. officials had asked Shaath to announce the reopening within days.
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