Turkish presidential plane arrives in Cairo with medical aid for Gaza

By Yesim Sert Karaarslan

ANKARA (AA) — A Turkish presidential plane, loaded with medicines and medical supplies destined for the Gaza Strip, has arrived at Egypt's capital Cairo, according to the Turkish Health Ministry on Sunday.

A group of 20 expert healthcare professionals were also on board the plane, which landed at around noon in Cairo after taking off from Ankara Esenboga Airport in the Turkish capital at 10.45 a.m. local time (0745GMT), the ministry said in a statement.

The team, which includes doctors and Turkish Health Ministry officials, met with Egyptian deputy health minister and other officials at the country's Health Ministry in Cairo and evaluated the medical assistance for Gaza.

"Our plane has taken off for Gaza with aid. The presidential plane, loaded with medicine and medical supplies, and carrying 20 expert physicians, is now en route from Ankara to Egypt," Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca previously said on X.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

*Writing by Merve Berker