Global Sumud Flotilla Sets Sail for Gaza, Pakistan Represented by Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan

BARCELONA/ISLAMABAD, September 1, 2025 – A historic civilian flotilla, the Global Sumud Flotilla, has departed Spain in the largest maritime effort to date aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering urgent humanitarian aid.

Flotilla Mission

• Departure: Around 20 boats left Barcelona on August 31, with more vessels expected to join from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia.
• Objective: To deliver food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza and challenge what organizers call the “illegal siege and genocide” of Palestinians.
• Participants: Human rights activists, doctors, lawyers, journalists, and politicians from 44 countries are part of the convoy.
• High-Profile Figures: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham are among the notable participants.

Pakistani Representation

• Delegation Leader: Former Jamaat-e-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is representing Pakistan.
• Delegation Status: Khan confirmed he is currently the only Pakistani participant, as other members faced visa issues. He is sailing as part of the Sumud Nusantara coalition, alongside Southeast Asian delegations.
• Stated Purpose: Khan said the mission is peaceful, aiming to establish a humanitarian corridor and show solidarity with Gaza. He stressed that Pakistan’s role may be symbolic in aid volume, but powerful in raising awareness.

Route and Challenges

• Route: The flotilla will travel through international waters and attempt to reach Gaza around September 14–15.
• Risk of Interception: The Israeli Navy is expected to block the mission, as it has done with past flotillas. Organizers insist the mission is lawful under international law, citing the 2010 Mavi Marmara tragedy as a reminder of risks.

Global Solidarity

The Global Sumud Flotilla has been described as the largest civilian maritime mission in history, reflecting growing international frustration with the blockade of Gaza. Organizers say their effort is as much about humanitarian relief as it is about shining a spotlight on Israel’s continued restrictions on Palestinians.

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