Pakistan says working with international partners for release of citizens on Gaza aid flotilla
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistan said on Thursday it was working with international partners to secure the release of its citizens in the Gaza aid flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif applauded their “dignified participation” and called for their immediate return.
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid and activists from around the world, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, to Gaza in the early hours of the day.
Cameras broadcasting live feeds from the boats showed Israeli soldiers sporting helmets and night vision goggles boarding the ships, while passengers huddled together in life vests with their hands up.
Pakistan’s foreign office said it strongly condemned the interception of the flotilla to deliver much needed humanitarian aid as protests erupted in Italy and Colombia over Israeli action. Demonstrations were also called in Greece, Ireland and Türkiye, while Italian unions called a general strike for Friday.
