Israeli blockade persists, TIKA provides essential food assistance to Gaza
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is actively delivering food aid to Palestinians in Gaza, focusing on families suffering from severe hunger due to Israel’s blockade which has critically restricted humanitarian supplies since March 2025[1][2].
In a region where entry and exit have become nearly impossible due to the Israeli blockade, TIKA's work is part of Turkey's broader efforts to support the Palestinian people. TIKA's goal is to contribute, however little, to the tables of Gazan families and provide relief to their suffering.
Recently, TIKA distributed food packages containing vegetables to 350 families in central Gaza, cooperating with local partners like the Assalama Association to provide vital relief amid dire shortages of food, water, medicine, and hygiene products[1].
Beyond food deliveries, TIKA's efforts also extend to providing tents, beds, blankets, winter clothing, medical supplies, and medicines, aiming to support thousands of families affected by the ongoing conflict and blockade[1]. Despite almost complete restrictions on aid entering Gaza, TIKA maintains an unwavering commitment to continuing aid operations under all circumstances[2].
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been marked by relentless Israeli attacks. The situation in Gaza has been described as a worsening blockade by Israeli forces, leading to starvation that has claimed hundreds of lives, including children, and an extremely limited flow of aid trucks—estimated by analysts at less than 1% of daily needs—reaching the population[3].
International bodies urge an immediate ceasefire and substantial scale-up in food assistance to prevent further starvation and collapse of critical services[5]. TIKA President Abdullah Eren emphasized TIKA's commitment to standing with the people of Gaza since the onset of the Israeli genocide.
Officials have described the situation in Gaza as systematic oppression and collective punishment by Israeli forces. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is operating in a context of extreme difficulty due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
In summary, TIKA’s current food aid delivery to Gaza represents a crucial but limited lifeline, carried out under severe constraints imposed by the Israeli blockade and ongoing conflict. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is actively working to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza who are facing a humanitarian catastrophe.
- The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is not only focused on delivering food aid to Palestinians in Gaza but also aims to contribute to the mental health and general wellness of the Gazan population.
- In light of the critical situation, TIKA is considering launching a program for children's nutrition and health education, ensuring a balanced diet and understanding of food-and-drink choices.
- As part of its lifestyle-centered campaign, TIKA is planning to offer workshops on stress management and meditation techniques to help mitigate the psychological impact of ongoing war-and-conflicts and circumstances caused by political tensions and crime-and-justice issues.
- In a broader sense, TIKA's mission in Gaza encompasses advocating for the right to health and wellbeing for all Palestinians, taking into account the devastating effects of conflict on both physical health and mental wellbeing.
- Turkey's continual support for Gaza extends beyond humanitarian aid delivery and into the realm of scientific research, with a focus on developing sustainable agricultural practices that maintain nutrition levels amid food shortages.
- Moreover, TIKA strives to address the negative consequences of the blockade in Gaza by collaborating with international organizations and media outlets to bring attention to the plight of Palestinians and advocate for policies aimed at safeguarding human rights and restoring peace.
