Pakistan has strongly condemned the Israeli navy’s interception of the Global Sumud Gaza Flotilla, calling it a “dastardly attack” on a peaceful humanitarian mission. The flotilla, consisting of 45 vessels and carrying over 450 aid workers and activists from 44 countries including former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was en route to deliver essential supplies to Gaza, which remains under a crippling blockade. The flotilla had set sail from Spain last month and aimed to break Israel’s siege on the Palestinian enclave, where the United Nations has warned of famine.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces intercepted 13 vessels of the flotilla, detaining dozens of activists. In the early hours of Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Israeli action on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a violation of humanitarian principles. Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly attack by Israeli forces on the Sumud Gaza flotilla. Their only ‘crime’ was to carry aid for the hapless Palestinian people, the premier wrote. He prayed for the safety of all detained individuals and demanded their immediate release, stressing that this barbarity must end and that peace and humanitarian aid must be given a chance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, labeling the act a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian law, and condemned Israel’s repeated attempts to obstruct aid to Gaza. The Foreign Office demanded the immediate release of all detained humanitarian workers and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continuous violations. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed this sentiment, stating that the attack on the flotilla was a direct breach of international law, calling for an immediate ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, and safe delivery of aid to Gaza.
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who led the Pakistani delegation on the flotilla, was among those arrested. The Pak-Palestine Forum confirmed his detention, noting that only the observer boat managed to escape the Israeli assault. The boat’s passenger, Syed Uzair Nizami, relayed the information about the senator’s arrest. Senator Faisal Javed Khan condemned Israel’s aggression and prayed for Khan’s safety. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced a nationwide protest in solidarity with the flotilla, calling on Pakistani leadership to take a firm stand.
Other political leaders and activists also voiced their outrage. Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani described the assault as “state terrorism” and a stain on the conscience of the international community. Human rights activist Jibran Nasir praised the courage of those on board, stating that they carried “nothing but courage in their hearts and aid in their ships,” adding that the global community’s silence had emboldened the Israeli military.
International backlash has intensified following the interception. Türkiye condemned the action as an “act of terror” and launched a legal investigation into the detention of its 24 citizens. Colombia expelled Israel’s diplomatic delegation and terminated its free trade agreement with Israel after two of its nationals were detained. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Israel had shown contempt for humanitarian values by blocking a peaceful aid mission, revealing that eight Malaysian citizens were among the detainees. Brazil, too, issued a condemnation, holding Israel responsible for the safety of Brazilian activists on board. Italy and Colombia saw street protests, and Italian unions called a general strike in solidarity with the flotilla.
The UK Foreign Office expressed serious concern, emphasizing that the aid should be turned over to humanitarian agencies and delivered safely into Gaza. The British government confirmed it was in touch with families of British nationals on board and called for a peaceful resolution.
Despite the Israeli action, the flotilla had vowed to push forward with its mission to deliver food, medicine, and essentials to Gaza’s population suffering under siege. Its organizers declared they would remain vigilant and peaceful, highlighting the humanitarian nature of their journey, which included well-known international figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Reaffirming its stance, Pakistan reiterated its “unwavering support” for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan continues to support the establishment of an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Israeli assault on the Sumud Flotilla has once again drawn global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the world watches and governments respond, the brave efforts of international activists have not only reignited debate on the blockade but have also shed light on the critical need for justice, dignity, and aid for the Palestinian people.