Mersin: The 17th 'Goodness Ship,' loaded with around 900 tons of humanitarian aid materials aimed at meeting the basic needs of the people of Gaza, departed Tuesday from Trkiye's southern Mersin International Port for Egypt's Al Arish Port.

According to Anadolu Agency, the shipment was organized under the coordination of Trkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent, with contributions from 17 nongovernmental organizations. The aid is set to reach the Karem Abu Salem border crossing via Egypt's Al Arish Port, the nearest port to Gaza.

The aid packages are prepared to help meet the essential needs of Gaza residents and include ready-to-eat food, canned goods, and baby formula. During the send-off ceremony held at Mersin Port, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated, "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 start of Israel's attacks on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, Trkiye has delivered 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 that killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and destroyed the enclave.