ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has joined 15 other countries in urging protection for the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society-led mission carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, after reports of Israeli drone strikes on its vessels.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye expressed concern for the safety of the flotilla and its participants. They called on all parties to respect international and humanitarian law and to refrain from unlawful or violent actions.
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon are among those taking part in the convoy, which set sail from Tunisia earlier this week after delays. The flotilla aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver relief supplies to the famine-hit territory.
Mushtaq said on Geo News that Israeli drones had been flying over the convoy and confirmed that two vessels were damaged in a strike. He vowed the mission would not be deterred and urged the Pakistani government to establish a relief effort for Gaza.
The Foreign Office said the flotilla’s mission of delivering aid and raising awareness about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to peace and international law. “Any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability,” it warned.
More than 100 vessels are expected to converge in the Mediterranean as part of the initiative, bringing together regional alliances including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition from Europe, the Global March to Gaza from the Middle East, Sumud Nusantara from Asia and Sumud Maghrib from Africa.
