Islamabad/Occupied Jerusalem, October 2, 2025: Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Gaza aid flotilla, calling it a “dastardly attack” and demanding the immediate release of all detained humanitarian activists, including former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.
The flotilla, comprising 45 vessels carrying aid, activists, and politicians from 44 countries, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, had set sail from Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. According to the organisers, 13 ships have been intercepted so far, while others remain en route.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, denounced Israel’s assault on the flotilla carrying more than 450 aid workers, saying their only “crime” was bringing food, medicine, and relief supplies to Palestinians facing famine.
“Peace must be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need,” he stressed, calling for the safe release of those “illegally apprehended.”
The Foreign Office (FO) echoed the condemnation, terming the detention of international activists “a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian law.” It said the interception was a “deliberate attempt” to obstruct humanitarian relief to over two million besieged Palestinians in Gaza.
The FO urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its “repeated violations of international law” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also branded Israel’s actions a “flagrant violation of international law,” demanding an immediate ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, and unhindered aid access. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani issued similar condemnations, with Gilani describing the incident as “state terrorism” and a “permanent stain on the conscience of the international community.”
Pakistani activists detained
Among those arrested was former JI senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was leading Pakistan’s delegation on the flotilla, according to the Pak-Palestine Forum. Another Pakistani, Syed Uzair Nizami, was aboard the observer vessel that escaped interception. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced nationwide protests on Friday against Israel’s assault.
Lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir praised the flotilla’s “courage,” saying its participants carried “nothing but aid and humanity,” while senator Faisal Javed Khan prayed for Mushtaq’s safety.
Global condemnation
The Israeli operation has triggered widespread backlash.
- Turkiye called the attack “an act of terror” and launched a probe into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens.
- Colombia expelled Israel’s diplomatic mission and suspended its free trade agreement after two Colombians were arrested.
- Malaysia confirmed eight nationals were detained, with PM Anwar Ibrahim accusing Israel of showing “utter contempt for the conscience of the world.”
- Brazil deplored the “military action” against peaceful protesters, while unions in Italy announced a general strike in solidarity.
- The UK Foreign Office expressed “deep concern” and urged Israel to ensure the flotilla’s aid is delivered safely into Gaza.
The flotilla had earlier vowed to continue its mission despite threats, saying it was “vigilant as we enter the area where previous flotillas were intercepted or attacked.” Israel has a long record of blocking such attempts; in June, its navy intercepted the Madleen aid vessel carrying activists and journalists.
