30.09.2025 10:32
In a statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated, "Our ships in the Eastern Mediterranean and our search and rescue capabilities will contribute to humanitarian aid missions in coordination with our relevant institutions and international parties, should the Gaza fleet require assistance."
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that they are closely monitoring the safe continuation of humanitarian aid activities carried out through civilian ships in the Eastern Mediterranean.
"WE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO HUMANITARIAN AID MISSIONS"
In a written statement from the ministry, it was stated that "Our ships, which continue their routine operations in various training and activities in the region, along with our search and rescue capabilities, will contribute to humanitarian aid missions in coordination with our relevant institutions and international parties if needed."
Turkey will continue to fulfill its responsibilities everywhere and under all circumstances for the protection of humanitarian values and the safety of innocent civilians, as it has done so far," the statement added.
TURKEY HAD RESPONDED TO THE FLEET'S CALL
The boat named "Johnny M" in the Global Sumud Fleet, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, had made a distress call after its engine compartment took on water and malfunctioned. Thanks to Turkey's rapid coordination and the contributions of the Turkish Red Crescent on the ground, the passengers on the boat were evacuated.
PASSENGERS PANICKED
The boat, located in the area between the islands of Crete, Cyprus, and Egypt, had made a distress call via radio in the morning hours. The captain reported that the engine compartment was taking on water, causing panic among the passengers, which included individuals from Luxembourg, France, Finland, Mexico, and Malaysia.
TURKEY'S COORDINATION PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE
Upon notification of the situation, the Turkish Red Crescent and other authorities had taken action. In a statement made from the US-based social media account of the Global Sumud Fleet, it was stated that "Thanks to the rapid coordination of the Turkish government and the contributions of the Turkish Red Crescent on the ground, the evacuation operation was carried out smoothly." The statement also emphasized that Turkey played a critical role in both the safe evacuation and the delivery of aid to the fleet. It was reported that any delays in the operation would not affect the overall course of the fleet, and it was planned to reach the target within 4 days.
GLOBAL SUMUD FLEET
The Global Sumud Fleet, consisting of dozens of ships, stands out as the largest humanitarian aid fleet sent collectively to Gaza to date. The ships carry a significant amount of humanitarian aid, especially medical supplies. The concept of Sumud, which means 'steadfastness' and 'unyielding determination' in Arabic, began to be used to describe the non-violent resistance of the Palestinian people against the occupation and their struggle to maintain their cultural existence after the Six-Day War in 1967. In Palestine, the figures of the olive tree and pregnant peasant women are among the strongest symbols representing this concept.