Turkish Ship Delivers First Humanitarian Aid To Gaza Since Ceasefire

A Turkish ship carrying 871 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza arrived at Egypt’s El-Arish port on January 29, 2025. It is the first aid shipment to the region since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, 2025.

The ship was loaded with 300 power generators, 20 portable toilets, 10,460 tents, and 14,350 blankets, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. He stated that Turkey was prepared to help Gazans by providing temporary shelter and essential supplies.

A team from the Egyptian Red Crescent received the aid at El-Arish port, located 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Gaza. The organisation is now coordinating the delivery of these supplies to the Strip.

Two staff members from the Egyptian Red Crescent also confirmed the ship’s arrival.

In the past two weeks, the North Sinai Governorate has made extensive preparations at El-Arish port and airport to receive international aid for Gaza.

Since the ceasefire began, Egypt has sent hundreds of truckloads of food, water, and medicine to Gaza to address extreme shortages caused by the Israeli blockade.

On Tuesday, a massive relief convoy organised by Al-Azhar’s Zakat and Charity House, in collaboration with the Tahya Misr Fund and the Egyptian Food Bank, entered Gaza through the Rafah border terminal, carrying essential supplies.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities are ensuring that hospitals in North Sinai and nearby areas are equipped to treat injured and sick Palestinians.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue. He stated that Egypt “cannot take part in injustices” aimed at displacing Gazans.

He also reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state and the protection of its people and territory. His comments came after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan.

Hamas officials have accused Israel of delaying the entry of crucial aid supplies, including fuel, tents, heavy machinery, and other equipment, despite the agreed-upon terms of the ceasefire.

However, an Israeli defence ministry spokesperson dismissed these allegations, calling them “fake news.”

Since the ceasefire began, hundreds of truckloads of aid have entered Gaza, while some supplies have been airlifted into the region. The truce, which took effect on January 19, ended 15 months of war that began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

References: FirstPost, Khaleej Times

Source: Maritime Shipping News