ISLAMABAD – Pakistan strongly condemned what it called the “cowardly attack” by Israeli forces on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying more than 450 aid workers from 44 countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all activists, stressing that their only “crime” was delivering humanitarian assistance to the besieged people of Gaza.
Israeli naval forces stormed several boats of the flotilla and transferred those on board to an Israeli port. According to Israel’s foreign ministry, among those detained is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The ministry released a video statement claiming that all the activists are “safe” and will be deported after arrival in Israel.
Organisers of the flotilla confirmed that Israeli forces had boarded one of the ships and taken all its members into custody. Activists said Israeli naval vessels had surrounded two boats, Alma and Cyrus, while drones had hovered over the flotilla through the night. They added that the Alma’s GPS and internet systems were disrupted in a cyberattack at dawn, cutting off communications.
The flotilla’s steering committee member, Tiago Avila, said in an audio message from his ship that the convoy was reaching a “decisive stage” as it neared Israel’s blockade. He said a large number of Israeli ships were visible in the area, matching earlier reports that the mission would be intercepted.
An Arab journalist on board reported that at least 12 suspected Israeli vessels were spotted just four nautical miles away, though it remained unclear whether they were advancing or blocking the route.
The flotilla’s organisers earlier declared a state of emergency on their vessels. Israeli military footage released showed naval warnings telling the flotilla to divert to Ashdod port if it intended to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry also confirmed that the flotilla was being ordered to change course, warning that it was entering a “war zone.”
According to Arab media, the flotilla was 118 nautical miles from Gaza when intercepted, only eight miles from the location where Israeli forces seized the aid ship Madeleine in June.
Turkish activist Metihan Sari, aboard the Alma, said Israeli ships had come within 5–10 metres of the vessel, calling it the “most intense harassment” faced so far. “They tried to intimidate us, but we told them we will not be afraid,” he added.
Amnesty International urged protection for the flotilla, saying that global inaction had forced activists to take peaceful measures to break the blockade. The rights group called on states to guarantee the safety of the flotilla, apply pressure to end Israel’s “genocide against Palestinians,” and lift the “illegal siege” of Gaza.
Notably, former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan is also among those on board the flotilla alongside 5 other Pakistani activists. Reports are that they all have been detained.
