Mersin: The 19th Goodness Ship, carrying approximately 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid prepared by the Turkish Red Crescent for delivery to Gaza, was sent off on Saturday from the International Port of Mersin. Humanitarian assistance efforts, which have accelerated following the ceasefire reached in Gaza, are continuing under Trkiye's leadership.
According to Anadolu Agency, a send-off ceremony was held at Mersin for the ship, prepared by the Turkish Red Crescent with contributions from Kosovo and loaded primarily with food, hygiene supplies, clothing, and blankets. The vessel is expected to arrive at Egypt's Port of El-Arish, where the aid will be unloaded and then delivered onward to Gaza.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Red Crescent Board Member Kamil Karadeniz emphasized that they had gathered for a journey that would carry the compassion, prayers, and humanitarian responsibility of the Turkish nation to Gaza. He stated that the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, ongoing for more than two years, has left deep scars on the conscience of all humanity, and that the Turkish Red Crescent listens to Gaza every single day.
Karadeniz highlighted the continuous lifeline of solidarity established through the donations and support of the Turkish people, stating that more than 18,000 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered to the region so far, building an uninterrupted bridge of hope from Trkiye to Gaza. Through their soup kitchens in Gaza, they have produced hot meals for 35,000 people under difficult conditions, with over 8 million meals distributed to date. Previous Goodness Ships coordinated by AFAD have also delivered cans of sacrificial meat to Gaza.
Karadeniz stressed that the Goodness Ship carries not only aid supplies but also hope, conscience, and human dignity. He expressed gratitude to the people of Kosovo and all donors who contributed to the humanitarian campaign, noting that every aid shipment to Gaza reflects the conscience of the Turkish nation, the labor of philanthropists, and hope rising from prayers.
Kosovo's ambassador to Ankara, Agon Vrenezi, also addressed the ceremony, describing the aid as a sincere act of solidarity with civilians in Gaza who are struggling to survive amid uncertainty and loss. He noted Kosovo's contribution of $580,000 to the aid mission in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent.
Vrenezi emphasized that humanitarian aid is not merely about numbers or shipment schedules, but reflects a shared belief in human dignity and demonstrates the will not to remain indifferent to humanitarian tragedies. He noted that the ship carries not only materials but also shared compassion, solidarity, and a belief in a more hopeful tomorrow, with the wish for the aid to reach those in need quickly and ease their hardships.
Following a prayer at the ceremony - attended by Mersin Deputy Governor Murat Cagri Erdinc and other officials - the 19th Goodness Ship was officially sent on its way with its precious cargo.