https://arab.news/z4wrq
- The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest sea-borne attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, much of which has been turned into a wasteland
- Last week, the flotilla was attacked by drones, which dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels, causing damage but no injuries
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday said that Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was en route to Gaza, endangers civilian lives and demanded the release of all activists aboard the vessels, reiterating its call for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to its blockade.
Israeli forces have intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing toward the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organizers said on Thursday. Israeli foreign ministry said the passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port.
Cameras broadcasting live feeds from the boats showed Israeli soldiers sporting helmets and night vision goggles boarding the ships, while passengers huddled together in life vests with their hands up. A video from the Israeli foreign ministry showed Thunberg sitting on a deck surrounded by soldiers.
Pakistan’s foreign office said it strongly condemned the interception of the flotilla to deliver much needed humanitarian aid as protests erupted in Italy and Colombia over Israeli action. Protests were also called in Greece, Ireland and Türkiye, while Italian unions called a general strike for Friday.
“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 Pakistani foreign office said.
“Pakistan reiterates its call for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across all Occupied Palestinian Territories; the lifting of the illegal blockade of Gaza; unfettered access and provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.”
The flotilla, which set sail in late August, is transporting medicine and food to Gaza and consists of more than 40 civilian vessels with about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists. It’s the highest-profile symbol of opposition to Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
It is the latest sea-borne attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, much of which has been turned into a wasteland by almost two years of war that has killed over 65,000 Palestinians. The flotilla’s progress across the Mediterranean Sea had garnered international attention as nations including Turkiye, Spain and Italy sent boats or drones in case their nationals required assistance, even as it triggered repeated warnings from Israel to turn back.
A former Pakistani senator, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, was also aboard a vessel in the fleet.
His wife, Humaira Tayyaba, told Arab News they spoke to the senator on Wednesday night and he had informed them that the main ship of the flotilla had been intercepted and their ship might also face obstruction.
“At 2:45 am [Pakistan time], he sent his last voice note, and since then, we have lost all contact. We do not know whether he has been arrested or if his ship is still sailing toward Gaza,” she said.
“We earnestly hope and pray that his ship reaches Gaza to break the blockade as his ship Allakatalla is still available at the tracker of Global Sumud Flotilla official page. However, if he has been arrested, the government of Pakistan must work for his safe release.”
Pakistan, which does not diplomatic relations with Israel, called for immediate release of all humanitarian workers and activists onboard the flotilla and accountability for Israel’s repeated violations of international law.
“Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination and for the establishment of a viable, independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders,” its foreign office said.
The flotilla had hoped to arrive in Gaza on Thursday morning if it was not intercepted. This was the second time the flotilla was approached on Wednesday. Before dawn, the mission’s organizers said two Israeli “warships” had encircled two of the flotilla’s boats and scrambled its communications.
Last week, the flotilla was attacked by drones, which dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels, causing damage but no injuries. Israel did not comment on that attack, but has said it will use any means to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza.