, as coordinator for humanitarian aid to Gaza, signaling Ankara’s intent to expand its role in the region's post-war recovery following a recent ceasefire, the state-run Anadolu news agency and Reuters reported.){kind=link}
Turkey has appointed Mehmet Güllüoğlu, the former head of the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), as coordinator for humanitarian aid to Gaza, signaling Ankara’s intent to expand its role in the region’s post-war recovery following a recent ceasefire, the state-run Anadolu news agency and Reuters reported.
A foreign ministry source told Reuters that Güllüoğlu, who also previously served as ambassador to Tanzania, traveled to the region on Wednesday to oversee the delivery of aid and assess needs on the ground.
The move comes after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday joined Qatar and Egypt in endorsing US President Donald Trump’s plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza, after two years of limited Turkish involvement in mediation efforts.
According to Turkish officials, Güllüoğlu will coordinate with United Nations agencies, ensure the smooth transfer of humanitarian supplies from Turkey and consult with Egyptian and Jordanian authorities on cross-border logistics.
His responsibilities also include organizing the evacuation of the wounded, managing medical support operations and identifying priorities for Gaza’s reconstruction.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Ankara has “mobilized all its resources” to deliver humanitarian relief, establish temporary shelters and contribute to rebuilding Gaza.
Güllüoğlu will also work closely with Turkish government agencies operating in the field to ensure that aid reaches those most in need, the statement said.
Following the recent ceasefire, Turkey dispatched a shipment of 865 tons of aid from Mersin Port in the south of the country to Egypt’s El Arish Port on Tuesday as part of ongoing humanitarian operations.
President Erdoğan has also signaled Turkey’s willingness to join an international task force to monitor the ceasefire’s implementation. The defense ministry said Turkey’s armed forces stand ready to participate in the mission in either a civilian or military capacity once details are finalized.
Güllüoğlu, a medical doctor by profession, also served as director general of the Turkish Red Crescent between 2013 and 2017 before he was appointed head of the AFAD in August 2017, where he served until February 2021.