Gaza gets 'biggest aid logistics base' with Turkish Red Crescent assistance

What is being claimed as the biggest logistics base for aid in Gaza was launched with the Turkish Red Crescent's assistance on Sunday.

Turkish Red Crescent chief Kerem Kinik told the Anadolu Agency that he would consult with Palestinians in Gaza on their aid needs, following Israel's devastating bombardment of the enclave in May which killed over 250 people.

During the launch, he said that "[his] dear brother Doctor Yunus and our friends" had attempted to launch the centre before, according to the Anadolu Agency, but gave no details about the reasons for the postponement. 

Kinik appeared to be referring to Palestinian Red Crescent chief Yunus Al-Khatib, who he met at the start of his two-day visit to Gaza.

"This has become Gaza's largest logistics centre in terms of both humanitarian aid and disasters," the Turkish aid chief said.

He also claimed that Israel's assaults on Gaza last month were among "the worst" ever, noting the devastating infrastructural damage and displacement caused by the bombing.

Kinik also highlighted the urgent need for fuel to power hospital facilities in the besieged land stip.

The Israeli bombing campaign also left a Covid-19 facility in ruins, hitting Gaza's efforts to control the virus.

"We have gone from conducting 4,000 coronavirus tests a day to around 1,500," Dr Adel Al Roga, the head of Gaza's only coronavirus testing laboratory, told The National.

Palestinian Prime Minister @DrShtayyeh made the plea at this week's Cabinet session on Monday, asserting that '#Israel has never stopped killing our children'. 👇 #Palestine #ChildrensRights #HumanRightshttps://t.co/mcBPxaqG1Y

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) June 22, 2021

Last Wednesday, Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor launched a complaint to the UN's Universal Postal Union, slamming mail restrictions to Gaza.

Euro-Med Monitor said Israel's blockade of Gaza has been strengthened since May's bombardment.

Its note to the UPU said this includes "a blanket ban on mail delivery to and from Gaza" via the Erez crossing.