The ministry explained that Turkish ships participating in training and activities in the region, in addition to their search and rescue capabilities, will contribute to humanitarian relief missions when needed, in coordination with relevant international institutions and parties.
She also stressed that Türkiye will continue to fulfill its responsibilities under all circumstances and in all places, to preserve humanitarian values and ensure the safety of innocent civilians.
It's worth noting that the Turkish Red Crescent provided food and medical aid to the Global Steadfastness Flotilla bound for Gaza as it sailed the Mediterranean, a move widely welcomed by activists who emphasized that the support boosted their morale to continue the journey.
During the voyage, the "Johnny M" boat suffered a malfunction after water leaked into the engine room, necessitating the intervention of Turkish authorities to evacuate 12 people. Eight of them were transferred to the "Alma" ship to continue on its journey, while four were transferred to the city of Mugla.
The French boat's captain confirmed that he had lost control of the ship, but expressed hope that the rest of the flotilla would succeed in reaching Gaza.
For their part, the activists stressed their determination to reach Gaza despite the bad weather and Israeli threats. Turkish activist Yasemin Acar confirmed that the flotilla includes hundreds of volunteers from around the world, explaining that they are not transporting weapons, but rather humanitarian aid.
In the same context, 14 members of the US Congress sent a letter to President Donald Trump's administration demanding that the flotilla be protected from any Israeli attacks, considering that targeting it would constitute a violation of international law.
For days, ships participating in the flotilla have been sailing towards Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade.
The Steadfastness Flotilla includes the Freedom Flotilla Federation, the Global Gaza Movement, the Steadfastness Flotilla, and the Malaysian Sumud Nusantara organization. It carries more than 500 activists from 40 countries on 50 ships.
This is the first time that dozens of ships have sailed together toward Gaza, home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinians and under Israeli siege for nearly 18 years.
Israel has tightened its blockade since March 2, closing all crossings into Gaza and preventing any food, medicine, or humanitarian aid from entering the Strip. This has plunged the Strip into famine despite the backlog of aid trucks at its borders.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 66,055 martyrs and 168,346 wounded, most of them children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.
