IHH Launches Rehabilitation Efforts in Northern Gaza
The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) has initiated significant debris removal and cleanup operations in the Gaza Strip, particularly focusing on its northern areas. The Istanbul-based aid group announced on Saturday, October 18, 2025, that its teams are actively clearing streets, removing rubble, and reopening roads to accelerate the rehabilitation of regions heavily damaged by recent conflicts. Heavy machinery has been deployed to restore accessibility and safe living spaces for residents.
This initiative is part of IHH's broader humanitarian work in the region, which also includes providing essential services such as food, shelter, hygiene, healthcare, and psychosocial support. The organization has maintained a presence in Gaza for years, significantly escalating its aid activities since October 7, 2023, following the onset of the conflict.
Controversy Surrounding IHH's Alleged Terror Ties
The IHH's operations in Gaza occur amidst a long-standing ban by Israel, which designated the organization as a terror group in 2008 due to alleged ties to various militant entities. Israel asserts that IHH is linked to Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Al-Qaeda, and considers it part of Hamas's fundraising network.
Critics, including Israeli officials, have stated that 'under the cover of humanitarian aid, the IHH has been supporting for a long time and with considerable financial resources so-called social groups which have to be seen as connected to Hamas.' Germany also banned an IHH affiliate in 2010, citing its support for Hamas. The organization was notably involved in the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla incident, where Israeli forces raided ships attempting to break the Gaza blockade, resulting in fatalities.
Despite these allegations, IHH maintains that it is a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping all people regardless of 'religion, language, race, and sect,' and aims to remain 'unaffiliated with politics.'
Turkish Government's Support for Gaza Reconstruction
The Turkish government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, with organizations like IHH playing a key role. The Turkish Ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Şen, stated that Ankara intends to continue contributing to Gaza's recovery through both official institutions and civil society organizations. IHH is described as a 'Government-organized non-governmental organization' (GONGO), indicating its close ties to the Turkish ruling party under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The current debris removal and cleanup efforts are seen as crucial steps in the post-ceasefire phase, aiming to improve living conditions for Palestinian civilians and facilitate further humanitarian assistance by reopening vital access routes.
5 Comments
Leonardo
Clearing roads and providing aid is essential. This is a positive step forward.
Mariposa
Thank goodness for organizations like IHH stepping up. They are making a difference.
Coccinella
On one hand, clearing rubble and offering services is undeniably helpful for people in dire straits. On the other, the strong ties to the Turkish government and accusations of supporting Hamas mean this isn't just a simple humanitarian act.
Muchacho
The Mavi Marmara incident speaks volumes. This group is not to be trusted.
ZmeeLove
There's no doubt Gaza needs humanitarian aid and reconstruction, but the IHH's history and its 'GONGO' status raise legitimate questions about its neutrality and true intentions. Transparency is key here.