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EL ARISH, Egypt — The Turkish Red Crescent’s 21st humanitarian aid vessel arrived Saturday at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of El Arish carrying approximately 3,300 metric tons of relief supplies intended for civilians in the Gaza Strip, the organization said.
The vessel departed from the southern Turkish port of Mersin and transported an estimated 175,000 food parcels, along with bulk food commodities, personal hygiene items, clothing, shelter materials, potable water and other essential supplies.
The cargo was received upon arrival and is slated for onward transfer to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent and relevant authorities, according to officials familiar with the operation.
The delivery forms part of the Turkish Red Crescent’s ongoing “Goodness Ship” initiative, launched after Oct. 7, 2023, to facilitate sustained humanitarian shipments to Gaza. The organization said it has expanded logistical coordination with public institutions and private-sector partners to maintain a steady flow of assistance.
Turkish authorities have intensified dispatches of relief cargo following the reopening of the Rafah crossing on Feb. 2 after a two-year closure. Officials have outlined plans for the phased shipment of up to 20,000 containers of humanitarian supplies to the enclave.
The Turkish Red Crescent said it remains engaged with regional counterparts to support the orderly delivery of aid amid continuing humanitarian needs.
Written by N.J.