KARACHI: A global flotilla seeking to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza amid growing fears of starvation and malnutrition came under attack seven times at night, a senior Pakistani politician and former senator on board said on Wednesday, calling for immediate international attention and protection.
The fleet of more than 100 vessels carrying activists from over 40 countries is en route to Gaza with a stated aim of delivering humanitarian aid. Last week, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar and counterparts from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Turkiye voiced concerns about the security of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).
Pakistan’s foreign office later warned of accountability if Israel attacked the flotilla, stressing its sole purpose was to deliver aid and highlight Palestinian needs.
“@gbSumudFlotilla has been attacked seven times in a short span tonight under the cover of darkness,” Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said in a social media post. “The boats were targeted with sound bombs, explosive flares and sprayed with suspected chemical substances.”
“Radio signals were jammed and calls for help were blocked,” he added. “Immediate international attention and protection are required!”
