Türkiye has appointed Ambassador Mehmet Gulluoglu as its
humanitarian aid coordinator for Palestine to lead and streamline its extensive
relief efforts in Gaza. This move highlights Ankara’s intensified focus on
addressing the humanitarian crisis following the recent ceasefire, with large-scale
aid deliveries and medical support set to continue and expand.
Türkiye Mobilizes Humanitarian Efforts for Gaza
Türkiye has officially designated Ambassador Mehmet
Gulluoglu as the humanitarian aid coordinator for Palestine to oversee the
coordination and delivery of Turkish assistance to Gaza, diplomatic sources
have confirmed. Gulluoglu, accompanied by a team, has already arrived in Gaza
to manage the national response directly.
The appointment reflects Türkiye’s commitment to ensuring
that aid operations are efficiently organised amidst the ongoing humanitarian
crisis caused by the recent conflict in Gaza. According to Anadolu Agency’s
report by an unnamed diplomatic source on October 15, 2025, Ambassador
Gulluoglu’s responsibilities include assessing urgent humanitarian needs,
facilitating aid deliveries from Türkiye, and overseeing close cooperation with
United Nations agencies and local authorities on the ground.
Comprehensive Coordination and Delivery Mandate
Ambassador Gulluoglu’s mandate covers multiple facets of
Türkiye’s relief operations:
- Conducting
inspections in Gaza to identify priority humanitarian materials.
- Coordinating
with UN agencies and supporting their existing operations in the
Palestinian territory.
- Ensuring
the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid from Türkiye, including
coordination with Turkish institutions already active in the region.
- Engaging
with local authorities regarding aid flows through neighbouring entry
points in Egypt and Jordan.
- Expanding
Türkiye’s medical support initiatives, which include the evacuation of
critically ill Palestinian patients for treatment abroad.
This comprehensive mandate is designed to optimise the
allocation and distribution of humanitarian supplies, ensuring aid reaches
those most in need with minimal delay or obstruction.
Ankara’s Established Humanitarian Tradition
Türkiye draws on a longstanding tradition of providing rapid
and impartial humanitarian assistance, especially in its surrounding region.
The country has been a consistent actor in relief efforts in crisis zones,
particularly in conflict-affected countries such as Palestine and Syria.
Since the escalation of hostilities that began in October
2023, Türkiye has dispatched approximately 102,000 tons of humanitarian
supplies to Gaza, delivered by sea and air. This includes food, medical
supplies, and essential materials aimed at alleviating suffering in the
war-torn enclave. A recent ceasefire has created a crucial opportunity to
sustain and scale up aid deliveries. For instance, Türkiye recently sent a
shipment of approximately 865 tons of humanitarian supplies from Mersin Port to
Egypt’s El Arish Port for onward transfer to Gaza.
Regional Political Context and International Role
According to Reuters reporting by an anonymous Foreign
Ministry source on October 16, Ambassador Gulluoglu, formerly head of Türkiye’s
Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and a seasoned diplomat, has
been appointed to escalate Türkiye’s role as a guarantor of the ceasefire,
marking a significant development in Ankara’s involvement after largely
avoiding previous rounds of diplomatic negotiations.
The source further indicated Türkiye’s mobilisation not only
for delivering aid but also for supporting displaced civilians via temporary
shelters and contributing to reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The Turkish
Defence Ministry announced that its armed forces are prepared to participate in
any international mission in Gaza, whether in military or civilian capacity,
underscoring Ankara’s readiness to contribute to regional stability following
the conflict.
In addition, Türkiye has expressed intent to join an international
task force overseeing the ceasefire agreement, although details remain under
discussion.
Medical Support and Evacuations
A critical component of Türkiye’s relief effort is the
expansion of medical support for Palestinians in Gaza. As reported by TRT World
and Anadolu Agency, the coordination team led by Ambassador Gulluoglu is tasked
with facilitating the evacuation of patients requiring urgent medical care
outside Gaza, highlighting the healthcare component amid ongoing humanitarian
challenges.
Türkiye’s appointment of Ambassador Mehmet Gulluoglu as the
humanitarian aid coordinator for Palestine signifies an important step in the
country’s intensified engagement in Gaza relief efforts. With a broad mandate
covering aid assessment, delivery coordination, medical support, and
cooperation with international and local bodies, Türkiye aims to enhance the
effectiveness and reach of its substantial humanitarian operations. The recent
ceasefire provides a critical window for expanding aid deliveries and
addressing urgent needs in Gaza amid the ongoing crisis.
This development reflects Türkiye’s continued commitment to impartial humanitarian assistance and increased involvement in fostering regional relief and stability.