Turkish e-commerce giant Trendyol pledges $10M of humanitarian aid to Gaza

Turkish e-commerce website Trendyol on Saturday pledged $10 million of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, and we hope that a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution in the region will soon be reached, the giant brand stated.

"Trendyol pledges 10 million USD of humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza," the statement noted, emphasizing: "We are coordinating with relevant public authorities to ensure the direct delivery of aid to civilians struggling to survive under difficult conditions."

"Moreover, we will launch additional humanitarian aid programs next week on our platform to generate additional support for Gaza," the statement added.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Palestinian group 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. Hamas 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.

Officials have said that more than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the conflict. Earlier on Saturday, a humanitarian convoy of 20 trucks began to enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, the first since the armed conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7.