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Türkiye’s 17th “Goodness ship,” carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, departed from Mersin International Port, heading to Egypt’s El-Arish Port, the closest entry point to the enclave.
The Akdeniz ship carries about 900 tons of food, canned goods, and baby formula. The mission was coordinated by Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) with support from 17 nongovernmental organizations.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, speaking at the send-off ceremony titled “With the 17th Goodness Ship, Türkiye Stands with Gaza on Behalf of Humanity,” said Türkiye has supported Gaza since the start of Israel’s assault.
“Today we say, ‘The Goodness ship is on its way to Gaza,’” Yerlikaya said. “We have stood tall beside our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Our stance is clear, we are on the side of the oppressed, against the oppressor.”
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Türkiye has sent 14 cargo planes and 16 ships with 102,000 tons of humanitarian supplies, Yerlikaya said. So far, 333 truckloads of aid reached Gaza via Egypt, while another 427 trucks remain waiting in El-Arish.
He noted that 2.35 billion Turkish lira in donations have been collected for Palestine, with nearly 2 billion lira already delivered.
“Since Oct. 7, Israel has committed genocide before the eyes of the world,” Yerlikaya said. “Yet Gaza resisted and never gave up hope. With faith and unity, Gaza will, God willing, rise again.”
After prayers, the Akdeniz set sail for El-Arish Port. AFAD President Ali Hamza Pehlivan, Mersin Governor Atilla Toros, and NGO representatives attended the ceremony.
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