Turkey continues to distribute aid to Palestine

By Ali Kemal Akan

ANKARA (AA) - Since 2013, Turkey has provided about $324 million in aid through public institutions and charities to Palestine.

Turkey is always at the forefront to help in crises such as earthquakes, natural disasters, civil war, economic troubles, political disputes, sickness and drought. With this position, it gains respect and is appreciated by the international community and people in need.

In recent years, Turkey has raised its humanitarian aid operations in many countries, such as Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Somalia and Bangladesh and continues to provide financial and humanitarian aid to Palestine which is under Israeli occupation.

Turkey has contributed billions of dollars in humanitarian aid despite the fact that it is not the richest country in the world.

According to Development Initiative's (DI) Global Humanitarian Assistance Report released in June, Turkey came second after the U.S. among countries that contributed the most humanitarian aid in 2016.

Turkey contributed $6 billion in humanitarian aid in 2016 while the U.S. contributed $6.3 billion, DI data show. Turkey ranks first if one takes into account national incomes.

Turkish NGOs and its people have supplied aid to Palestinians with a total value of $324 million since 2013.

The Turkish Red Crescent, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), the Sadakatasi Aid Foundation, Turkiye Diyanet Foundation and others are among the organizations that provided help to needy people.

Since 2013 Turkey's public institutions such as TIKA and AFAD have provided about $243 million to Palestine.

The Turkish Red Crescent has given $27 million, IHH $37 million, the Sadakatasi Aid Foundation $7 million and the Diyanet Foundation have supplied $10 million aid.

The Diyanet Foundation has completed construction of mosques in different territories of Palestine and served them for prayers.