ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s blocking of aid to Gaza, demanding the immediate release of the Samood Flotilla workers.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s move to block the Global Samood Flotilla. The flotilla consisted of more than 40 civilian boats, carrying about 500 international workers, whose aim was to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza.

The statement said that the illegal detention of the workers on board the flotilla is a clear violation of international law and human rights law. This move has put the lives of innocent people at risk.

According to the Foreign Office, this condemnable move is a continuation of Israel’s ongoing aggressive behavior and illegal siege of Gaza, due to which more than two million Palestinians are facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery is a grave breach of its obligations as an occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Pakistan has once again called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian territories, an end to the illegal siege of Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian access, the immediate release of all workers on board the flotilla, and full respect for international law, human rights and humanitarian law.

Pakistan has also reiterated its demand for accountability for Israel’s repeated violations of international law.

Pakistan has reiterated its unwavering support and solidarity with the Palestinian people and fully supports their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and sovereign State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.