Pakistan Condemns Israeli Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla, Demands Release of Detained Activists

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian principles.” The flotilla, carrying aid and international activists, was headed to Gaza to break the blockade when Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels in international waters. Among those detained is former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was leading a Pakistani delegation.

Key Highlights

• Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying around 45 vessels with aid workers, activists, and politicians, including Greta Thunberg.
• Pakistan demanded the immediate release of all detained activists, including Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attack, calling it state barbarity.
• Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani described the incident as “state terrorism” and a “stain on global conscience.”
• Pakistan reaffirmed full solidarity with the Palestinian people and urged the world to hold Israel accountable for repeated violations.
• Flotilla aimed to deliver humanitarian relief to Gaza, where the UN has warned of famine due to Israel’s blockade.

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Pakistan’s Strong Condemnation

In an official statement, the Foreign Office termed the interception a “grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.” It said Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza has caused “immense human suffering and deprivation for over two million Palestinians” and obstructing humanitarian aid cannot be justified under any law.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a message on X, denounced the “dastardly attack,” stating: “The only crime of these activists was that they carried aid for the hapless people of Gaza. We pray for their safety and demand their immediate release.”

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also called it a “flagrant violation of international law,” urging the lifting of the blockade and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.

Arrest of Pakistani Senator

Among those detained was ex-senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who led the Pakistani team aboard one of the aid vessels. Advocacy groups confirmed his arrest after Israeli forces boarded his ship. Another Pakistani delegate, Syed Uzair Nizami, managed to escape on an observer boat and reported the developments.

Former senator Faisal Javed and lawyer Jibran Nasir expressed concern for Khan’s safety, praising the courage of activists who carried “nothing but aid and humanity in their ships.”

Voices from Pakistan’s Leadership

• Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani called the attack an act of “barbaric savagery” and urged urgent global action to ensure uninterrupted delivery of food, water, and medicines to Gaza.
• Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the assault, praying for the safe return of all flotilla members and declaring: “Israeli barbarity must end.”

A Pattern of Aggression

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying around 450 people from 44 countries, had left Spain to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Similar aid missions have previously been blocked, with the UN repeatedly warning of famine in the besieged territory.

Rights activists noted that live streams from several vessels went offline after Israeli interception, raising fears about the safety of crew and passengers.

Pakistan Reaffirms Solidarity with Palestine

Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people, calling for:

• An immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
• The lifting of the illegal blockade.
• The release of all detained humanitarian workers.
• Accountability for Israel’s repeated violations of international law.

The Foreign Office underlined that Pakistan stands by Palestine’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.

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