Not Stopping by Israel, Kloter Baru Global Sumud Flotilla Involves Pakistan to Gaza
JAKARTA - Pakistani activists and aid workers have joined a new batch of the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian fleet heading to Gaza this week.
A few weeks ago, Israeli forces intercepted and detained Global Sumud Flotilla activists carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza residents in international waters.
The Edhi Foundation, the largest social organization in Pakistan, said in a statement that the new batch of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet departed from Marmaris, Turkey, on Wednesday night with the participation of more than 500 activists.
"The Global Sumud fleet's peace mission is expected to be completed in six to seven days," the statement said, informing that Saad Edhi, grandson of the late famous Pakistani humanitarian figure, Abdul Sattar Edhi, departed with the fleet after overseeing the purchase of humanitarian supplies in Turkey over the past few days.
According to the statement quoted by AN, the humanitarian aid includes rations, dry food, medicines, baby formula, and other essential items intended for civilians in Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla fleet mission was carried out amid increased international scrutiny of the blockade, or tight containment by Israel on Gaza. Including, the seizure of another Global Sumud fleet earlier this month carrying humanitarian activists and aid supplies to the Palestinian territory.
The interception of the fleet earlier by Israel triggered condemnation from Pakistan and 10 other countries.
"Israel's attacks on ships and the illegal detention of humanitarian activists in international waters are flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law," the joint statement said.
Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was among those detained by Israeli forces during the previous Global Sumud Flotilla mission, who were later released and transferred to Turkey.
Israel did not explain much about its troops' efforts to thwart a humanitarian mission to bring essential supplies to civilians in Gaza. The Zionists only argued that the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet in international waters before entering Gaza was an enforcement effort by the Israeli navy.
Since October 2023, Israeli military attacks in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused most of the region's residents to flee, according to Gaza health authorities and international aid agencies.