Turkish Red Crescent reports aid shortages at Rafah Border Crossing

Turkish Red Crescent President Prof. Dr. Fatma Meriç Yılmaz reported significant restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza during a visit to the Rafah Border Crossing and El Arish Port in Egypt. Yılmaz stated that while a commitment was made to allow 600 trucks of aid into Gaza daily following a ceasefire, only approximately 100 trucks are currently able to enter. She noted that hunger is being used as a method of punishment, with severe difficulties in accessing food and clean water.

To mitigate the crisis, the Turkish Red Crescent is utilizing 'Goodness Ships' to transport supplies through Egypt's El Arish Port. Once unloaded at local warehouses, the aid is transferred to trucks for border transit. Currently, 160 trucks of aid materials are awaiting entry.

On the ground, the organization is operating soup kitchens providing meals for 30,000 people daily, distributing 100 tons of clean water, providing psychosocial support, and managing a prosthetics project for individuals who have lost limbs.