MERSIN, Türkiye / ISTANBUL – In a continued display of international solidarity, the 17th "Goodness Ship" departed from Türkiye’s southern Mersin International Port on Tuesday, carrying approximately 900 tons of essential humanitarian aid destined for the war-torn Gaza Strip. The vessel, organized under the coordination of Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and in collaboration with the Egyptian Red Crescent, marks another chapter in Ankara's ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians following a devastating conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The shipment, which set sail amid a ceremonial send-off attended by government officials and aid workers, is bound for Egypt’s Al Arish Port, the closest maritime gateway to Gaza. From there, the aid will be transported overland to the Karem Abu Salem border crossing (also known as Kerem Shalom), facilitating its entry into the enclave. This route has become a critical lifeline since the escalation of hostilities, bypassing direct access challenges imposed by the region's complex geopolitical dynamics.
The aid package, meticulously prepared to address immediate basic needs, comprises ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, baby formula, and other nutritional essentials. These items were contributed by 17 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating within Türkiye, including faith-based groups, humanitarian foundations, and civil society entities known for their disaster relief expertise. The involvement of these NGOs underscores a grassroots mobilization, with donations collected from across Türkiye's diverse population, reflecting a national consensus on supporting Gaza's civilians caught in the crossfire of the prolonged crisis.
At the portside ceremony in Mersin, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya addressed the gathering, emphasizing the symbolic and practical significance of the mission. “Today, we say ‘The Goodness Ship is on its way to Gaza,’” Yerlikaya declared. “The Mediterranean vessel, loaded with 900 tons of food, canned goods, and baby formula, is now setting sail for Gaza.” His remarks highlighted Türkiye's role as a bridge between humanitarian intent and on-the-ground delivery, praising the collaborative spirit that made the shipment possible. AFAD officials present at the event noted that the aid was prioritized based on assessments from partners on the ground, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and displaced families who have endured over two years of blockade-like conditions exacerbated by the war.
This latest voyage is part of a broader Turkish humanitarian campaign initiated in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. Triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages, the subsequent Israeli offensive has been characterized by intense aerial bombardments, ground invasions, and a tightening siege. According to Palestinian health authorities and international observers, the campaign has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, including a disproportionate number of women and children, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure. Hospitals, schools, and residential areas have been reduced to rubble, displacing nearly 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents and plunging the territory into a severe humanitarian catastrophe marked by famine risks, disease outbreaks, and acute shortages of medical supplies.
Since the onset of the conflict, Türkiye has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the Israeli actions on the global stage while channeling substantial aid through official channels. Under AFAD's oversight, Ankara has dispatched a total of 16 previous ships and 14 aircraft loaded with relief materials. These efforts have delivered tens of thousands of tons of aid, including medical equipment, tents, blankets, and hygiene kits, totaling over 50,000 tons in aggregate value when including land convoys coordinated via Egypt and Jordan. The "Goodness Ship" initiative, as branded by Turkish authorities, symbolizes not just logistical support but also a moral stance, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan repeatedly condemning the violence and calling for accountability at international forums like the United Nations.
The timing of this 17th shipment coincides with a fragile ceasefire brokered last week under the auspices of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Announced as part of Trump's ambitious plan to permanently end the war, the truce has halted active hostilities for the first time in months, allowing tentative steps toward reconstruction and aid distribution. The agreement, mediated through indirect talks involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, includes provisions for hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, and increased humanitarian access. Trump, in his statements from the White House, touted the deal as a "historic breakthrough" that could pave the way for broader Middle East peace, drawing on his previous diplomatic feats like the Abraham Accords. However, skepticism abounds; Hamas officials have described the ceasefire as "temporary," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized that military options remain open if security threats persist.
Under the ceasefire terms, aid flows have seen a modest uptick, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reporting the entry of over 500 trucks in the past week alone—still far below the pre-war daily average of 500 but a marked improvement from the near-total blockade during peak fighting. The Goodness Ship's cargo is expected to bolster these efforts, particularly in addressing child malnutrition, which UNICEF warns affects over 50,000 children in Gaza. Baby formula, a key component of the shipment, is critical amid reports of breastfeeding mothers suffering from malnutrition themselves due to food scarcity.
The collaboration with the Egyptian Red Crescent is pivotal, as Egypt controls the Rafah crossing and has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's government has invested in expanding Al Arish Port's capacity to handle such influxes, coordinating with international bodies like the World Food Programme (WFP). This partnership also mitigates logistical hurdles, including security screenings and customs procedures that have delayed previous convoys.
Türkiye's aid endeavors extend beyond mere logistics; they carry diplomatic weight. Ankara's relations with Tel Aviv have deteriorated sharply since October 2023, culminating in a full trade suspension and reciprocal expulsions of diplomats. Erdoğan's rhetoric, labeling the Israeli actions as "genocide," has resonated across the Muslim world, positioning Türkiye as a leader in pro-Palestinian advocacy. Domestically, the initiative has galvanized public support, with fundraising drives raising millions of lira. NGOs involved, such as the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, have leveraged social media and mosque networks to amplify collections, ensuring transparency through public audits.
Yet, challenges persist. Even with the ceasefire, aid distribution inside Gaza remains fraught with risks from unexploded ordnance, damaged roads, and internal factional tensions. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented instances where aid convoys faced obstructions, calling for independent monitoring. The destruction in Gaza is staggering: satellite imagery from the UN shows over 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed, with economic losses estimated at $50 billion by the World Bank. Rebuilding will require billions more, and Trump's plan includes pledges from Gulf states for funding, contingent on lasting peace.
Looking ahead, AFAD has hinted at scaling up operations if the ceasefire holds, potentially including medical teams and temporary shelters. International donors, including the EU and Arab League, have expressed interest in aligning with Turkish efforts. As the Goodness Ship cuts through the Mediterranean waves, it carries not just supplies but hope for a population on the brink. In Yerlikaya's words, "This is more than aid; it's a message of humanity from the Turkish people to our brothers and sisters in Gaza."
The vessel's journey, expected to take several days, will be tracked by maritime authorities, underscoring the precarious nature of such missions in a region still simmering with unrest. For Gaza's residents, this shipment represents a small but vital reprieve, amid calls for a comprehensive peace that addresses root causes like occupation and blockade. As global attention shifts to implementation of the Trump-brokered deal, Türkiye's unwavering commitment highlights the role of middle powers in humanitarian diplomacy.
(This article draws on official statements from AFAD, the Turkish Interior Ministry, and international reports from UN agencies.
