Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who was leading the Pakistani delegation on the Global Samud (Solidarity) Flotilla, has been arrested by Israeli forces after the Israeli military boarded the aid ship en route to Gaza.

According to Pakistan Palestine Forum, the arrest was confirmed via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan has been arrested by Israel.”

The forum reported that only one observation boat managed to escape. Its mission was to gather information and ensure safe communication.

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Aboard this boat was Pakistani delegate Syed Uzair Nizami, who relayed the news of the Israeli interception of Senator Mushtaq's ship.

Over 200 Activists from 37 Countries Detained

According to the Global Samud Flotilla spokesperson, despite the arrests, 30 ships are continuing their journey toward Gaza. However, 13 vessels were intercepted at sea by Israeli forces, and more than 200 activists from 37 countries have reportedly been detained.

In a statement posted on Instagram, spokesperson Saif Abu Khashiq confirmed the Israeli Navy's actions, stating that ships were surrounded and many had their communications and cameras forcibly shut down.

Global Protests Erupt Against Israeli Action

Massive protests have erupted around the world in response to Israel's interception of the humanitarian flotilla. Demonstrations have taken place in Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and elsewhere.
In Pakistan, the Pak-Palestine Forum has called for a protest in Islamabad outside the National Press Club at 2 PM.

Live Coverage and Background

Al Jazeera's live coverage showed one of the flotilla ships, 'Alma', with activists wearing life jackets as they awaited Israeli intervention. Yasmin Akar, a member of the Flotilla Steering Committee, confirmed:

“Israeli naval ships have surrounded Alma. We have taken our positions and are ready to be intercepted.”

Previously, the flotilla organizers had warned that the Israeli navy might intercept dozens of boats headed toward Gaza at any moment.

In a related incident earlier, Israeli forces had also detained environmental activist Greta Thunberg and others during a previous flotilla attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel's Foreign Ministry had stated that:

“Several flotilla vessels were safely stopped, and passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.”

This ongoing crackdown on humanitarian missions has sparked strong condemnation from international human rights groups and civil society organizations.

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