Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Gaza Global Sumud flotilla on Thursday, calling it a “dastardly act” and demanding the immediate release of detained activists, including former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. The government also called for accountability for Israel’s repeated violations of international law.
The aid flotilla, carrying 45 vessels with activists and politicians—including Greta Thunberg—left Spain last month to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break Israel’s blockade. So far, Israeli forces have intercepted 13 vessels, while 30 more were on their way to Gaza’s coast. The United Nations has warned of severe famine in the territory.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his concern on X, stating: “Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on the 40-vessel Samud Gaza flotilla carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries. We hope for the safety of all those detained and demand their immediate release. Their only ‘crime’ was to carry aid for the Palestinian people.” He added that humanitarian aid must reach those in need and that peace must be given a chance.
Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly attack by Israeli forces on the 40 vessel Samud Gaza flotilla, carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2026
We hope and pray for the safety of all those who have been illegally apprehended by Israeli forces and call for their…
The Foreign Office also denounced the attack terming it as a clear breach of both international law and international humanitarian law. It referred to the actions of Israel as an intention to intercept humanitarian aid in Gaza that has led to unimaginable suffering of more than two million Palestinians. The FO demanded the release of all activists and humanitarian workers on board and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.
🔊PR No.2️⃣9️⃣5️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 2, 2026
Pakistan Strongly Condemns Interception of Global Sumud Flotilla by Israel
🔗⬇️https://t.co/Pfar8bbtjl pic.twitter.com/EMEBPtEAAo
Pakistan’s Leaders Speak Out
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called the attack a “flagrant violation of international law” and demanded an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and safe release of activists.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar prayed for the safe return of all flotilla members, while Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called it “state terrorism” and urged urgent steps to ensure the delivery of food, water, and medicine to Gaza.
Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator, who headed the Pakistani delegation, was one of the people who were arrested. One of the observer vessels was able to escape and gave updates on the detention according to the advocacy groups. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and former senator Faisal Javed Khan came out in support of the flotilla and JI declared a countrywide protest against the assault.
Lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir lauded the bravery of the activists saying that they brought aid and hope, when Israel had only acted to demonstrate the inability and cowardice of the international community.
Global Reaction
Several countries condemned Israel’s actions. Turkey called it “an act of terror” endangering innocent lives and launched an investigation into the detention of 24 Turkish citizens. Colombia expelled Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation after two Colombians were detained. Malaysia reported eight of its citizens were arrested.
Italy, Brazil, and the UK also condemned the interception. Italian unions called for a general strike to support the flotilla. The British government stressed that the aid must be provided safely to the humanitarian bodies in Gaza.
The flotilla then promised to go on with its mission of giving aid to Gaza despite the intimidation. Israel has already intercepted other such aid missions, like in June when the vessel, Madleen was intercepted on its way to Gaza carrying activists.
The international community has been very vocal regarding the attack and this has brought a lot of attention to the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the necessity of providing aid to the people of the region.
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