Gigantic Turkish vessel carrying aid for Gaza reaches Egyptian port “Goodness Ship” / VIDEO

A Turkish humanitarian aid ship carrying 900 tons of relief supplies for the people of Gaza has arrived at Egypt’s el-Arish Port, the closest access point to the Gaza Strip — marking the country’s 17th “Goodness Ship” delivery to the region since 2023.

According to Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the shipment reached the port on October 17. The agency coordinated the mission with the support of 17 nongovernmental organizations, Daily Sabah reported.

The vessel, named Akdeniz, departed from Mersin International Port on October 14 following a farewell ceremony attended by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued commitment to assisting Gaza’s civilian population.

The cargo includes baby formula, ready-to-eat meals, canned food, and other essential items. Once unloaded, the aid will be delivered to Gaza in coordination with AFAD and the Egyptian Red Crescent.

This latest shipment marks the first delivery since the recently established cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, renewing hopes of easing the severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Emphasising Türkiye’s “determination to alleviate the pain and suffering of civilians,” AFAD said in a social media post that approximately 333 trucks carrying around 4,500 tons of humanitarian aid have entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing under its coordination since Israel’s partial authorisation of aid shipments in July 2025.

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) has also expanded its relief operations in Gaza following the cease-fire announcement. The organisation is now providing daily hot meals to 21,000 people through its soup kitchens, including one in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah area. Thousands of meals are prepared each day and distributed to local residents, hospital patients, and health workers in need.

By Nazrin Sadigova