Web Desk; Pakistan and several other countries strongly condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), after Israeli forces intercepted dozens of boats carrying humanitarian aid and international activists en route to break the Gaza blockade.
The flotilla, consisting of 45 vessels and over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries, departed Spain last month with the mission to deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where the United Nations has already warned of famine. Among those on board were climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.
According to flotilla organisers, Israeli naval forces intercepted 39 boats, leaving only one vessel still attempting to reach Gaza. Live video feeds verified by Reuters showed heavily armed Israeli soldiers boarding the vessels at night as activists, clad in life vests, raised their hands in surrender. Footage also showed Thunberg sitting surrounded by Israeli soldiers after the interception.
Pakistan’s Strong Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric” and a violation of humanitarian principles. In a post on X, he said:
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly attack by Israeli forces on the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for the hapless Palestinian people. We pray for the safety of all those illegally detained and demand their immediate release.”
The Foreign Office (FO) issued a strongly worded statement, calling the interception a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “deliberate obstruction of humanitarian relief.” It demanded the swift release of all detainees and urged the global community to hold Israel accountable.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the incident, describing Israel’s actions as “state aggression.” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani echoed similar sentiments, with Gilani calling the attack “state terrorism” and a “permanent stain on the conscience of humanity.”
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was leading the Pakistani delegation, was among those detained. Advocacy group Pak-Palestine Forum confirmed his arrest, while JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced a nationwide protest in solidarity with Gaza.
International Outrage
The attack drew sharp criticism worldwide.
- Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that eight Malaysians were among those detained. He contacted leaders of Turkiye, Egypt, and Qatar to secure their release, urging immediate international intervention.
- Turkiye: Its foreign ministry called the attack “an act of terror” and launched a legal investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens.
- South Africa: Demanded the release of all detainees, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela.
- Colombia: President Gustavo Petro expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission and ended the free trade agreement with Israel, terming the detentions a “new international crime.”
- United Kingdom: Expressed “deep concern” and urged Israel to transfer the aid to humanitarian agencies for safe delivery.
- Spain: Summoned Israel’s envoy after confirming 65 Spanish nationals were onboard.
- Brazil: Condemned the action as a violation of human rights and held Israel responsible for the safety of detained activists.
Protests and Wider Implications
The interception sparked protests across several countries. Demonstrations were reported in Italy, Colombia, Greece, Ireland, and Turkiye, while Italian unions announced a general strike.
The Palestinian foreign ministry also condemned Israel’s actions as a breach of international law, insisting that Gaza’s territorial waters remain sovereign Palestinian waters.
Despite repeated interceptions in the past, flotilla organisers vowed to continue efforts to break the siege, stressing that their mission was humanitarian, not political. “Their only crime was to carry aid for the oppressed people of Gaza,” PM Shehbaz remarked, urging the international community to act decisively.
