Turkish agency backs 13 emergency teams in the West Bank

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has supported the establishment of 13 emergency response teams in the West Bank under the “Be Prepared, Save Lives” project. The initiative aims to strengthen the role of Palestinian women in society while enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies.

According to a statement by TIKA, the newly formed teams consist of 65 members, including doctors, nurses, and volunteers. Each team, composed of one doctor, two nurses, and two volunteers, will operate across various regions in the West Bank.

The project comes amid increasing attacks by Israeli forces and settlers, prompting a collaboration between TIKA and the Palestinian Women’s Union (PWU), established in 1965. The initiative offers women essential training in first aid, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support. Sessions were held in Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron.

Following the training, participants received professional first aid kits provided by TIKA. Certificates were awarded to those who successfully completed the program during a ceremony attended by notable figures, including Türkiye’s Consul General to Jerusalem, Ambassador Ismail Cobanoglu, TIKA Palestine Coordinator Orhan Aydin, and PWU President and former Social Affairs Minister Intissar al-Wazir.

Speaking at the event, Wazir expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the people of Türkiye. “This project is vital in the face of escalating attacks and harassment. It will contribute to empowering Palestinian women to play a stronger role in society,” she said.

Ambassador Cobanoglu emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where Türkiye ranks among the leading donors. “Providing assistance to the Palestinian people during these difficult times is both a legal and moral responsibility,” he said. “TIKA’s projects are particularly notable for addressing women’s needs.”

Through this initiative, TIKA aims to bolster the healthcare capabilities of Palestinian women while enhancing their socioeconomic and cultural contributions to their communities.