Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting humanitarian workers and ensuring the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of aid to people in need, with the Foreign Ministry highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza on World Humanitarian Day.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said August 19 is observed as World Humanitarian Day following a designation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008.

The ministry emphasized the importance of protecting UN personnel and humanitarian aid workers, stressing that humanitarian assistance must be delivered to those in need without obstruction.

“On the occasion of 19 August World Humanitarian Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, we once again emphasize the importance of protecting UN personnel and humanitarian aid workers and of the rapid, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need,” the ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry said the observance comes at a particularly critical time, noting that the number of humanitarian personnel killed while carrying out their duties has reached its highest level in UN history.

It pointed specifically to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying the deepening crisis demonstrates the importance of the principles represented by World Humanitarian Day, including the responsibility to save lives and the obligation to protect humanitarian workers and civilians.

The ministry also paid tribute to humanitarian workers who lost their lives while performing their duties.

“On the occasion of 19 August World Humanitarian Day, we remember with gratitude UN personnel and humanitarian aid workers who lost their lives after being targeted while performing their duties,” it said.

The Foreign Ministry said Türkiye would continue its humanitarian efforts in line with what it described as the country's long-standing humanitarian tradition and a people-centered foreign policy approach.

It pledged to maintain efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to people affected by crises in different parts of the world, with particular emphasis on Gaza.

“In line with the strong tradition stemming from our deep-rooted history and our human-centered foreign policy approach, we will continue to work resolutely to deliver humanitarian aid to those in need in various regions of the world, particularly in Gaza,” the ministry said.

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to honor humanitarian workers and raise awareness of the risks they face while assisting populations affected by armed conflicts, disasters and other emergencies. The date also commemorates humanitarian personnel killed in the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, including the UN's then-Iraq envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.

Türkiye's statement comes amid growing international concern over the safety of humanitarian personnel and the ability of aid organizations to reach civilians trapped in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of severe shortages and deteriorating living conditions. (ILKHA)