Türkiye’s humanitarian aid arrives in Lebanon
Medical supplies sent from Turkey to Lebanon on a military cargo plane land at Rafik Hariri International Airport in the capital Beirut. (Wassim Samih Seifeddine - Anadolu Agency)
A Turkish military cargo plane carrying 30 tons of humanitarian aid has arrived in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, landing at the Rafic Hariri International Airport.
‘Turkish aid aircraft sends a message of solidarity to our people’
The delivery, consisting of medical supplies and medications, was received by Lebanese caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad and Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut Ali Barıs Ulusoy.
Minister Abiad explained that Türkiye responded swiftly to Lebanon’s call for assistance following the start of Israeli airstrikes on Sept. 23.
“The Turkish government has been in contact with the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the beginning of the attacks, and they have delivered aid rapidly,” Abiad said, highlighting the urgent need for medical supplies as casualties continue to rise.
“The Turkish aid aircraft sends a message of solidarity to our people in the face of Israel’s ruthless assault,” Abiad added.
Türkiye’s rapid response
Ulusoy emphasized that the humanitarian aid operation was carried out under the directives of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“In less than 48 hours, we delivered 30 tons of medical supplies, food, and medications to Lebanon,” Ulusoy stated, underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during these difficult times.
Ulusoy also noted that the Turkish-built hospital in the southern city of Sidon, established in 2010, continues to operate and will soon increase its capacity to better serve the region’s health needs. “The Turkish Hospital in Sidon will be operating at full capacity in the coming days to meet the growing demand,” Ulusoy said.
Rising casualties in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 558 people, including 50 children and 95 women, since the offensive began on Sept. 23.
Over 1,800 people have been injured, and mass displacement continues, with many residents fleeing southern regions toward Beirut and northern Lebanon.
