Vice President of Hope Caravan, Cafer Ökmen, who is leading the team, spoke to ILKHA correspondent about their mission. “We will travel to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, on October 11. Lebanon, with a population of around 5.5-6 million, is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis as 1.5 million people are being forced to migrate from the south to the north,” Ökmen explained. He highlighted that the foundation’s focus will be on delivering essential items such as beds, quilts, pillows, food packages, and hygiene kits to displaced families in northern Beirut, where they plan to set up temporary shelters.

Ökmen stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the occupation regime’s ongoing aggression has turned Lebanon, particularly its densest city of Beirut, into a conflict zone. He added that the humanitarian crisis is worsening as people are becoming refugees within their own country.

Ökmen also reflected on broader regional dynamics, pointing to recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who warned about the expanding threat posed by Israel. "It seems that Israel will soon be on Türkiye’s borders. The war in Syria was part of this plan, and now Gaza and Lebanon are under attack. All countries in the region face this danger," Ökmen said, calling attention to Israel's long-standing territorial ambitions, backed by U.S. military support.

Ökmen emphasized that Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon has been a significant source of resistance against Israeli aggression. “Hezbollah is considered one of the world’s largest guerrilla armies, and this resistance seriously disturbs Israel,” he stated. Ökmen urged international and Turkish non-governmental organizations to bolster their support for resistance groups like Hezbollah and HAMAS, which he described as barriers to Israel’s ambitions.

Ökmen highlighted Türkiye’s prominent role in supporting Palestine, stating: “Türkiye provides 32 percent of the aid to Palestine, more than any other country.” He urged philanthropists and NGOs to continue their support, noting that Hope Caravan has been at the forefront of aid efforts in Palestine and Gaza.

In light of the worsening crisis in Lebanon, Ökmen called for greater efforts from the international community, urging them to raise the bar in providing humanitarian aid. (ILKHA)