ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has endorsed the international appeal for safeguarding the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative involving activists from multiple nations, following recent assaults on ships delivering aid to Gaza by pro-Palestinian groups.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that any breach of international laws or violations of the rights of those involved will be met with accountability. Several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey, have voiced their concerns over the flotilla’s safety.
Notable figures such as former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and renowned actress Susan Sarandon are among the pro-Palestinian advocates participating in the convoy, which seeks to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza and deliver essential aid.
In an interview Mushtaq Ahmed Khan reported that Israeli drones have been surveilling the convoy traveling from Tunisia to Gaza. He noted, “Two ships have already been damaged in drone strikes. Despite this, we remain undeterred and are committed to reaching Gaza with relief supplies.”
He urged the Pakistani authorities to establish a dedicated rescue and relief mission for Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the flotilla’s objectives: delivering aid to Gaza and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians. The statement underscored the importance of respecting international law and called on all parties to avoid unlawful or violent actions.
Pakistan joined 15 other nations in calling for the restraint of any violence against the flotilla, warning that breaches of international law—such as attacks on vessels in international waters or unlawful detention—will be subject to consequences.
The aid convoy, which departed from Tunisia a day prior after multiple delays, comprises over 100 vessels from various regional alliances, including the Europe-based Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Middle Eastern Global March to Gaza, Asian Sumud Nusantara, and African Sumud Maghrib. Its mission is to break the Israeli blockade and deliver vital supplies to Gaza, a region suffering from severe shortages and famine.
