(MENAFN) Türkiye on Tuesday dispatched its 17th “Goodness Ship,” carrying around 900 tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza, from the southern port of Mersin to Egypt’s Al Arish Port.

The shipment, coordinated by Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent, includes contributions from 17 nongovernmental organizations. The aid will be transported to Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem border crossing via Al Arish, the closest Egyptian port to the enclave.

The cargo is designed to meet the essential needs of Gaza’s residents and includes ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, and baby formula.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony at Mersin Port, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said: “Today, we say ‘The Goodness Ship is on its way to Gaza.’ The Mediterranean vessel, loaded with 900 tons of food, canned goods, and baby formula, is now setting sail for Gaza.”

Since the onset of Israel’s attacks on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, Türkiye has sent humanitarian assistance through 16 ships and 14 aircraft under AFAD’s coordination. A ceasefire was reached last week as part of US President Donald Trump’s plan to permanently end the war, which killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and devastated much of the enclave.

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