Global outrage as Israel stops Gaza aid flotilla; Pakistan condemns

Flotilla organisers said Israeli forces halted 13 boats carrying activists and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, while roughly 30 vessels continued their voyage. A video shared by Israel’s foreign ministry, verified by Reuters, showed Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg on a deck surrounded by soldiers; the ministry said passengers were being taken to port and were safe. The Global Sumud Flotilla comprised more than 40 civilian boats with about 500 participants, including lawmakers, lawyers and activists, transporting medicine and food. Organisers posted videos on Telegram alleging some passengers were seized and taken to Israel against their will, reiterating the mission’s non-violent, humanitarian nature. Pakistan’s leadership condemned the interception. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the action a “dastardly” attack on a humanitarian convoy and demanded the immediate release of detainees. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar labelled the move a flagrant breach of international law and urged an unhindered flow of aid to Gaza.</br>International reaction mounted. Turkey’s foreign ministry called the operation an “act of terror.” Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro ordered Israel’s diplomatic delegation to leave and scrapped a free trade agreement, citing the treatment of Colombian nationals aboard the flotilla. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said eight Malaysians had been detained and condemned the blockade’s impact on civilians. Israel said it had warned the flotilla it was approaching an active combat zone and offered to transfer aid via “safe channels.” The country has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007. Previous sea-borne challenges have ended in confrontations, including the deadly 2010 raid. The latest interception unfolded amid the ongoing Gaza war, which has devastated the enclave and intensified global calls for humanitarian access.