Pakistani activists and aid workers, including representatives from the Edhi Foundation, have embarked on a new humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza this week. This mission comes just weeks after Israeli forces intercepted and detained participants from an earlier flotilla in international waters.
Global Sumud Flotilla Departs from Turkiye
The latest Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Marmaris, Turkiye, on Wednesday night, carrying over 500 activists from various countries, according to a statement from the Edhi Foundation. The foundation noted that the peaceful mission is expected to take six to seven days to complete.
Saad Edhi, grandson of the renowned Pakistani humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, is aboard the flotilla after overseeing the purchase of humanitarian supplies in Turkiye over the past several days. The aid includes ration supplies, dry food, medicines, baby formula milk, and other essential items intended for civilians in Gaza.
Growing International Scrutiny
The mission occurs amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel's blockade of Gaza. Earlier this month, another Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian activists and aid supplies was seized by Israeli forces. The interception drew condemnation from Pakistan and 10 other countries.
Joint Statement Condemns Interception
In a joint statement, the countries declared that the Israeli attacks against the vessels and the unlawful detention of humanitarian activists in international waters constitute flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was among those detained during the previous flotilla mission before being released and transferred to Turkiye. Israel has defended its actions as enforcement of its naval blockade on Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since October 2023, Israel's military offensive in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and displaced most of the enclave's population, according to Gaza health authorities and international aid agencies.
