Pakistan Calls for Protection of Global Aid Flotilla Heading to Gaza
September 16, 2025
SYROS, GREECE: Pakistan has joined 15 other countries in urging the protection of participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of multiple vessels, departed from Tunisia and is aiming to deliver essential supplies to the enclave.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye expressed collective concern regarding the safety of the flotilla and called for strict adherence to international law.
Prominent activists and public figures, including former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon, are among the participants. The initiative seeks both to deliver humanitarian assistance and to raise awareness of the urgent needs of people in Gaza.
Speaking on a television programme, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said that the flotilla had faced aerial surveillance during its journey and that some vessels were reported damaged. He stressed that participants remain committed to completing the mission of aid delivery.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized:
“The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlighting the humanitarian situation. These objectives are consistent with international humanitarian principles and the need for peace.”
The joint statement by participating nations further added:
“Any violation of international law or human rights of flotilla participants, including attacks on vessels in international waters or unlawful detention, will result in accountability.”
The flotilla is part of a larger initiative involving over 100 vessels from four regional alliances — the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (Europe), the Global March to Gaza (Middle East), Sumud Nusantara (Asia), and Sumud Maghrib (Africa). The fleet is expected to converge in the Mediterranean before continuing its journey.
