Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Gaza Flotilla, which was carrying more than 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries to deliver aid to Palestinians under siege.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the act “cowardly” and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz Sharif said the flotilla’s only “crime” was delivering life-saving aid to helpless and oppressed Palestinians.
He expressed deep concern over the illegal detention of international volunteers by Israeli forces and emphasized that Pakistan condemns this act of aggression in the strongest possible terms.
“The barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance and humanitarian aid must reach those in need,” the Prime Minister said, while urging the international community to act urgently.
Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted
The flotilla, which originally set sail with around 40 vessels, faced interception by Israeli naval forces. Despite this, the activist group behind the mission reported that nearly 30 boats managed to evade the blockade and continued sailing towards Gaza.
The vessels were just 85 kilometers (46 nautical miles) from the Gaza coast when the announcement was made, raising hopes that aid could still reach Palestinians in dire need of food, medicine, and other essentials.
International reactions
The attack on the flotilla has sparked sharp global criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of the Israeli diplomatic delegation from Bogotá, condemning what he called “a new international crime by Benjamin Netanyahu.”
In his statement, Petro also declared the immediate termination of a free trade agreement with Israel and revealed that Colombia’s Foreign Ministry would pursue legal action against the Israeli government. He called on international lawyers to support the effort, describing Netanyahu as a “worldwide criminal who must be captured.”
