ISLAMABAD: Pakistan issued a strong condemnation on Thursday following Israel’s interception of the Global Samud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy attempting to deliver aid to besieged Gaza, calling it a “dastardly attack” and flagrant violation of international law.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla late Wednesday night, detaining hundreds of international activists from 44 countries who were attempting to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led calls for the immediate and safe return of all detained individuals, including Pakistani nationals.
International Activists Detained at Sea
The 45-vessel flotilla had departed Spain last month carrying over 450 humanitarian workers and activists, including prominent figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who led the Pakistani delegation.
Israeli forces intercepted 39 of the vessels, with only one remaining at sea. According to flotilla organizers, the convoy was carrying essential humanitarian supplies for Gaza’s more than two million residents, where the United Nations has issued warnings about impending famine conditions.
Pakistan’s Official Response
Pakistan’s Foreign Office released a forceful statement denouncing the interception as part of Israel’s “ongoing pattern of aggression.” The ministry declared that “the unlawful detention of international activists onboard the flotilla constitutes yet another flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel, and endangers the lives of innocent civilians.”
The statement emphasized that Israel’s actions represent a deliberate obstruction of humanitarian relief efforts, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza caused by the ongoing blockade.
Pakistan demanded the immediate release of all detained humanitarian workers and activists, urging Israel to comply with international law. The Foreign Office also called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for what it termed “repeated violations” of international norms.
Israeli Government’s Statement
Hours after the interception sparked global outrage, Israel’s foreign ministry responded via social media platform X, stating that all passengers were safe and would be “deported to Europe.”
The Israeli statement characterized the flotilla as a “Hamas-Samud provocation” and claimed that none of the vessels succeeded in entering what it described as an “active combat zone” or breaching its “lawful naval blockade.”
“All the passengers are safe and in good health. They are making their way safely to Israel, from where they will be deported to Europe,” the ministry stated, adding that if the remaining vessel attempted to approach Gaza, it would also be prevented from doing so.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The flotilla’s mission comes amid escalating concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel’s blockade has severely restricted the flow of food, medicine, and essential supplies. The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about deteriorating conditions affecting the enclave’s civilian population.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
