Turkey Names Former Disaster Chief to Lead Gaza Aid Efforts

Post by : Saif Ali Khan

Turkey has appointed Mehmet Gulluoglu, the former head of its disaster management agency, to oversee its humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, signaling a major expansion of Ankara’s role in supporting the war-torn region and helping to implement the new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Turkey Steps Into a Bigger Role

After staying mostly away from the main diplomatic talks for the past two years, President Tayyip Erdogan’s government has now joined long-time mediators Qatar and Egypt in backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan to end the war in Gaza.

This decision shows that Turkey is ready to take a leading role in helping rebuild Gaza, which has suffered massive destruction and loss of life during the conflict.

A senior Turkish Foreign Ministry source said that Gulluoglu—who also served as a former ambassador—traveled to Gaza on Wednesday to begin his duties.

“Turkey is mobilizing all its resources to rapidly deliver aid to Gaza, establish temporary housing areas, and prepare for Gaza’s reconstruction,” the official said.

Who Is Mehmet Gulluoglu?

Mehmet Gulluoglu previously headed AFAD, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, which has led large-scale rescue and relief operations after earthquakes, floods, and other crises.

His experience in crisis management and coordination makes him well suited for the complex challenges in Gaza, where millions of people are displaced, hospitals are short on supplies, and basic needs like food, water, and shelter remain in critical shortage.

Under his leadership, Turkey plans to coordinate with U.N. agencies, Egyptian and Jordanian officials, and other international organizations to ensure that aid reaches people safely and quickly.

Turkey’s Aid Plan for Gaza

According to the Foreign Ministry, Gulluoglu’s mission includes several key goals:

Inspect and identify urgent aid needs inside Gaza.

Coordinate the safe delivery of Turkish aid, including food, water, medicine, and shelter materials.

Work with the United Nations and regional partners to avoid delays in shipments.

Help evacuate wounded civilians and provide medical treatment in Turkish hospitals if necessary.

Support the reconstruction of damaged homes and infrastructure once conditions improve.

Turkey has already sent hundreds of tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza since the war began and plans to expand deliveries in the coming weeks.

A Ceasefire Under Watch

Turkey’s involvement comes as part of an international task force designed to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The details of this task force are still being finalized, but Turkey’s Defense Ministry said it is ready to contribute in either a military or civilian role.

This marks a major diplomatic shift for Ankara. During the early months of the conflict, Turkey strongly criticized Israel’s military operations and called them “crimes against humanity.” However, by joining the U.S.-led peace effort, Erdogan appears to be balancing his support for Palestinians with a practical approach aimed at rebuilding Gaza and maintaining peace.

Regional Reactions

Observers see Turkey’s move as an attempt to reassert its influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy, which had been dominated by Egypt and Qatar.

“Turkey’s participation in the Gaza reconstruction effort could be a turning point,” said one regional analyst. “Ankara has deep experience in disaster relief and strong political ties in both the Muslim world and the West. This makes it an important bridge in such a delicate process.”

Many Palestinians also welcomed the appointment, viewing Turkey as a trusted ally that has long supported their cause and criticized Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis Continues

Despite the ceasefire, conditions in Gaza remain extremely dire. Much of the territory lies in ruins, with thousands of buildings destroyed and millions of residents displaced.

Hospitals are overwhelmed, and clean water and electricity are scarce. Aid groups warn that food insecurity and disease outbreaks could worsen unless large-scale humanitarian support arrives soon.

Turkey’s efforts are expected to focus first on emergency relief, including shelter, food, and medical care, before shifting to long-term rebuilding projects.

A Strategic and Moral Mission

For President Erdogan, Gaza represents both a moral duty and a diplomatic opportunity. Turkey’s growing role could strengthen its image as a leader of humanitarian diplomacy and a protector of Muslim communities in crisis.

By sending an experienced disaster expert like Gulluoglu, Ankara hopes to show that its involvement goes beyond politics — it’s about saving lives and rebuilding hope in one of the world’s most devastated regions.

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