Pakistan using diplomatic means to bring back nationals after Gaza aid flotilla raid – Ishaq Dar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday the government was closely monitoring developments related to the Gaza aid flotilla, adding that it was using diplomatic channels to secure the safe return of its nationals, including a Pakistani politician in Israel’s detention.
The flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week, had set sail in late August and was carrying medicine and food to the Palestinian enclave. It comprised more than 40 civilian vessels and around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who were all detained as they attempted to breach Gaza’s humanitarian blockade.
Israel’s siege began in March and has led to widespread starvation and child malnutrition.
Media reports said earlier in the day the Israeli government had started deporting the detained activists after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was filmed visiting the site where they were being held, accusing them of supporting “terrorism.”
