(MENAFN) Türkiye on Wednesday sent its 18th “Goodness Ship” loaded with humanitarian relief to Gaza, as part of ongoing efforts to assist civilians following the recently announced ceasefire.

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) said the vessel, which set sail from the port city of Mersin, carries about 800 tons of aid including 7,500 blankets and 50,000 family food packages sufficient to meet a household’s monthly needs.

At the departure ceremony, Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meric Yilmaz described Gaza as “a wound on humanity’s conscience,” vowing that aid deliveries will continue “as long as the gates remain open.”

“There were times when no aid could enter Gaza, hospitals were bombed, and families buried their loved ones with their own hands,” she said. “Now that a ceasefire is in place, we hope it becomes permanent so we can reach more people in need.”

Yilmaz highlighted that despite previous restrictions, the organization has sustained daily humanitarian work in Gaza — distributing hot meals to around 35,000 individuals and supporting hospitals alongside the Palestinian Red Crescent.

She said this latest shipment prioritizes those struggling with cold weather and food shortages, including orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

“Our Goodness Ships carry the compassion, solidarity, and hope of the Turkish people to Gaza,” Yilmaz said. “We will continue until Gaza stands on its feet again.”

The ship is expected to dock at Egypt’s El-Arish Port within three days, where its cargo will be offloaded and sent by truck into Gaza through designated border crossings.

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