The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center continued its intensive humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip on Monday, distributing new quantities of food baskets in camps for displaced people in the southern part of the Strip. This vital step comes as part of the Saudi popular campaign to aid the Palestinian people, launched under the generous directives of the Saudi leadership to support those affected by the current crisis.

This aid is of exceptional importance at present, given the extremely harsh living conditions endured by displaced families. With displacement continuing and hundreds of thousands crowded into the southern regions, providing basic food necessities has become a daily challenge that burdens families; thus, the arrival of these food baskets is a lifeline that helps bridge the food gap and secure essential sustenance for the most vulnerable groups.

On the ground, teams from the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage – the implementing partner of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in the Gaza Strip – oversaw the distribution of aid according to a precise organizational mechanism. The teams ensured that the support reached those most in need, in accordance with international standards for humanitarian work and in a manner that preserves the dignity of beneficiaries, thus embodying the principles of justice and transparency to which the Center adheres in all its operations worldwide.

It is worth noting that this relief intervention is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a long history of continuous Saudi support for the Palestinian cause. Since the outbreak of the crisis, Saudi Arabia has established air and sea bridges to transport thousands of tons of food, medical supplies, and shelter materials as part of a comprehensive response aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Gaza Strip's residents. The Saudi public campaign through the "Sahem" platform is one of the largest donation drives reflecting the solidarity of the Saudi people with their Palestinian brothers and sisters.

This humanitarian initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in international charitable work, as the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center seeks to address the critical shortage of supplies within the besieged Gaza Strip. The focus on southern Gaza at this stage stems from its high population density and the scarcity of basic goods in local markets, making external intervention an urgent necessity to prevent the worsening of the hunger and malnutrition crisis.

In conclusion, this distribution falls within the Kingdom’s consistent humanitarian approach through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Relief Center, affirming its historical and moral commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in all circumstances and forums, and its tireless work to alleviate the repercussions of the humanitarian disaster that has befallen the Gaza Strip.

The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul issued an important and urgent warning to all Saudi citizens residing in and visiting the city, urging them to exercise extreme caution. This warning comes in response to official weather alerts issued by the Istanbul Governorate, indicating an approaching storm expected to hit the city and surrounding areas today (Monday), accompanied by strong and gale-force winds that could affect public safety.

The consulate explained in its statement that weather forecasts predict strong winds in various parts of Istanbul, which could cause widespread disruption. It stressed the importance of following and strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines issued by the Turkish local authorities to ensure their safety. It also noted that such weather conditions could lead to significant disruptions in various aspects of daily life, particularly in the transportation sector.

Climate context and the importance of the warning

Istanbul enjoys a unique geographical location between Asia and Europe, divided by the Bosphorus Strait, making it susceptible to rapid and sudden weather changes, especially during seasonal transitions. Winter and spring storms, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain, are a common weather phenomenon in the region. Turkish authorities, represented by the State Meteorological Service and the Istanbul Governorate, frequently issue proactive warnings to mitigate potential damage and protect lives and property.

Expected effects on the city

The storm is expected to have a significant impact on infrastructure and services in this densely populated city. Maritime traffic through the Bosphorus Strait, including passenger and cargo ferries, is among the first services affected, often being suspended as a precautionary measure. Air traffic at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport may also be affected, potentially leading to delays or cancellations. Furthermore, strong winds pose a risk to traffic on the city's iconic suspension bridges and could cause debris to be blown around or trees to fall, necessitating extreme caution when navigating the streets.

The role of the consulate and its importance to citizens

The Saudi Consulate's warning comes as part of its pivotal role in safeguarding the affairs of its citizens abroad and ensuring their safety during emergencies and crises. Istanbul is a major tourist and investment destination for Saudi citizens, making an effective and direct channel of communication with the diplomatic mission vital. In such circumstances, the Consulate is committed to providing necessary guidance and emergency contact numbers for direct assistance should any citizen require help, emphasizing the importance of remaining in safe locations and avoiding going out except in cases of extreme necessity until the storm subsides.