Turkish Red Crescent aid trucks for Gaza blocked at Rafah border

Over 700 aid trucks organized by the Turkish Red Crescent are currently stalled at the Rafah Border Crossing, unable to deliver critical supplies to Gaza due to ongoing restrictions, according to Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meric Yilmaz.

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency, Yilmaz stated that aid efforts have been severely hampered following renewed Israeli attacks and the breakdown of the cease-fire.

“There are approximately 700 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid waiting at the border,” she said. “We are unable to deliver these in-kind supplies. For now, we can only provide assistance through financial donations by purchasing materials locally inside Gaza.”

Humanitarian operations hampered by border closures

Yilmaz emphasized that the Turkish Red Crescent has been operating in Gaza since the first days of the Israeli military campaign, but deteriorating conditions and blocked crossings have severely limited their ability to deliver assistance.

“Inbound humanitarian aid through all border crossings has been effectively blocked,” she said. “Only commercial supplies sourced internally can be distributed, thanks to our local delegation teams.”

She added that a sustained and secure humanitarian corridor is urgently needed: “What’s happening in Gaza does not align with international humanitarian law. The only solution is to open the aid channels and establish a lasting ceasefire.”

Türkiye’s continued support through financial aid and on-the-ground teams

Despite the limitations, the Turkish Red Crescent continues to operate inside Gaza. During Ramadan, the organization distributed 35,000 food parcels and served hot meals to 30,000 people daily.

In coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), 10,000 tents were delivered and are being set up by local Red Crescent staff.

Yilmaz highlighted the scale of public support and said, “The Turkish people continue to show remarkable solidarity with Palestinians through their donations.”

Water scarcity and medical needs reach critical levels

Water supply remains one of the most pressing issues. Since November, Turkish Red Crescent has delivered over 1.6 million liters of clean drinking water via tankers, providing 20 liters per day per family.

“We wish we could do more,” Yilmaz said. “Türkiye accounts for 30% of all aid delivered to Gaza, making it the largest contributor. Our warehouses are full and ready, but the borders remain closed.”

Albanese: Urgent action needed to stop Israeli violence

At a separate event in Pantin, France, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Palestine Francesca Albanese warned that time is running out to prevent further violence against Palestinians.

Speaking at a conference on Gaza and colonial violence, she said, “If the Israeli state is not stopped, it will continue its violence against Palestinians.”

Albanese referenced previous cease-fire violations by Israel and noted that further breaches were unsurprising. She criticized global inaction and warned that the current situation reflects a broader ideological agenda.

International law and future of Gaza

Albanese urged the international community to act in accordance with international law. “Ending the occupation, genocide, and apartheid is not just a legal necessity—it’s a moral one,” she said.

She pointed to ongoing military actions in Lebanon and Syria as evidence that Israel may seek to extend its operations. According to Albanese, Israel’s leadership openly aims to control territory from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River.

She concluded by highlighting that the consequences of Europe’s historical anti-Semitism continue to be borne by the Palestinian people today.