Turkish Red Crescent Dispatches 21st 'Ship of Goodness' with Record Aid for Gaza Ahead of Ramadan

Record-Breaking Aid Shipment Departs Mersin

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) today dispatched its 21st 'Ship of Goodness' from Mersin International Port, carrying a substantial consignment of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip. This latest vessel represents the largest single humanitarian shipment since the aid program commenced following the escalation of the crisis on October 7, 2023. The ship is loaded with approximately 3,300 tons of essential supplies, aiming to provide critical relief to the people of Gaza ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Comprehensive Humanitarian Supplies Onboard

The aid package on the 21st 'Ship of Goodness' is comprehensive, designed to address various urgent needs within the besieged enclave. The cargo includes:

• Food parcels specifically prepared for iftar and sahur (meals during Ramadan)
• Ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare food items
• Hygiene kits, assembled with contributions from various Turkish provinces
• Clothing and blankets
• Shelter materials
• Baby essentials

All supplies were sourced through public donations and coordinated by Kızılay branches across Turkey.

A Lifeline Through a Structured Corridor

The maritime route for these aid shipments involves vessels departing from southern Turkey and sailing to Egypt's El-Arish Port in North Sinai. From there, the humanitarian cargo is transferred by truck into Gaza, a process coordinated with the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. This established corridor has become a vital channel for delivering assistance to Gaza, where humanitarian needs remain acute.

Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent, highlighted the ongoing commitment to Gaza, noting that Kızılay teams have remained inside the enclave since October 7, 2023, operating continuously with local partners. The organization also runs two community kitchens in northern and central Gaza, with daily hot meal distribution increasing significantly during Ramadan.

Ongoing Commitment Amidst Crisis

This 21st shipment underscores Turkey's sustained humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Previous 'Ship of Goodness' voyages have delivered thousands of tons of aid, with the 18th ship carrying over 800 tons, the 19th approximately 1,300 tons, and the 20th around 1,400 tons of mixed relief materials. The continuous flow of aid is crucial as Gazans face severe hardships, with the humanitarian situation remaining dire.