Gaza organises blood donation campaign for Turkey-Syria earthquake victims

On Sunday, Gaza organised a blood donation campaign for victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last Monday, which led to the death of more than 35,000, according to the latest statistics.

Organised by the non-government Hope for Orphans Organisation, in cooperation with the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, the campaign is titled, "One Body."

During a press conference coinciding with the campaign's launch, Iyad al-Masri, the foundation's official, said that the campaign comes within the framework of "the solidarity of our people in Syria and Turkey after the great calamity that shook the entire world."

"It is our duty, as the Palestinian people, to express solidarity as part of giving back to the people who have always stood with the Palestinian cause, and the least we can offer them is donating blood," al-Masri added. 

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: More People Rescued As Death Toll Crosses 35,000 https://t.co/rECtn7wIU6 pic.twitter.com/kThchDkQTD

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He added that his organisation works in partnership with the Blood Bank of the Ministry of Health, which will supervise the blood drive and coordinate with the relevant authorities to send the blood bags to those in need in Syria and Turkey.

Naglaa Al-Ghalayini, a volunteer, said to The New Arab that the campaign seeks to consolidate the relationship that extends throughout history with these sisterly countries, especially in light of the difficult period they are going through.

Two devastating earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck 10 provinces in southern Turkey and northern Syria, causing thousands of buildings to collapse as people slept.

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes has exceeded 35,000 in both countries. Many countries and international relief agencies have sent rescue teams and provided relief supplies to earthquake-stricken areas.

For his part, the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad Al-Maliki, said that the Palestinian team for intervention and urgent response to Syria and Turkey is carrying out exceptional relief efforts and working in difficult and complex circumstances.

A Palestinian team consisting of 73 people left the occupied West Bank on Thursday and was divided into two groups, the first group of 30 people headed to Turkey, while the second group of 43 rescue workers arrived in Syria, They are expected to help in the relief efforts for about nine days.