ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the Israeli attack on the Global Samood flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, calling it a “cowardly attack” and appreciating the dignified participation of Pakistani citizens in the convoy.
The Prime Minister, in a statement on the social networking website X (formerly Twitter), said that Pakistan strongly condemns the attack by Israeli forces on the 40-boat Samood Gaza flotilla, which was carrying more than 450 human rights activists and aid volunteers from 44 countries.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the only “crime” of these workers was that they were carrying aid for the oppressed Palestinian people of Gaza. He termed the Israeli aggression as a “barbaric act” and said that this barbarity must end immediately.
The Prime Minister urged the international community to take immediate steps to provide basic humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. He said, “Peace should be given a chance and aid should reach the needy at all costs.”
Later, in a statement, the Prime Minister said that he appreciated the dignified participation of Pakistani citizens in the “Samoud Gaza Flotilla”. Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Mazhar Saeed Shah, Wahaj Ahmed, Dr. Osama Riaz and other Pakistanis participated in this great relief mission in accordance with the principles of humanitarianism.
He said that this initiative represents the peaceful aspirations of the Pakistani people, the struggle for justice, and the spirit of helping those in need. The Government of Pakistan supports the principles of respect for human life, safe access, and unhindered aid.
The Prime Minister said that the government strongly demands the return of its citizens and is praying and striving for their safety, dignity, and early return to their homeland.
It should be noted that the Israeli army used force to prevent the Global Solidarity Flotilla from reaching Gaza in recent days, which has drawn condemnation from around the world. The workers in the flotilla said that they were on a mission to deliver food, medicine and other essential goods to the war-torn people of Gaza.
Israeli move is a clear violation of international law, says Foreign Minister
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s move to stop the Global Solidarity Flotilla and detain international workers.
In his statement on X, Ishaq Dar said that this move is a clear violation of international law. He demanded that an immediate ceasefire be declared in Gaza, the siege of Gaza be lifted, the workers be released immediately and no obstacles be placed in the provision of humanitarian aid.
Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for the establishment of an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.