Israeli forces intercept 13 boats and detain 200 activists from 37 countries, including Greta Thunberg
30 ships heading towards Gaza, protests in Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Israeli ambassador expelled from Colombia
Staff reporters, representatives,Daily Dawn, Dawn TV report
Gaza, Doha, Islamabad, occupied Jerusalem: The Israeli army attacked the Global Solidarity Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, resulting in the arrest of Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed and about 200 activists.
According to the flotilla spokesperson, the arrested activists belong to 37 countries, including 30 from Spain, 22 from Italy, 21 from Turkey and 12 from Malaysia. Despite the arrests, the flotilla’s mission continues, with a convoy of about 30 boats attempting to break the blockade of Gaza.
Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan was leading the Pakistani delegation in the Global Resistance flotilla and was detained by Israeli forces during a boarding. The arrest was also reported by the observer ship.
Protests have erupted around the world against the Israeli operation. Citizens are taking to the streets in Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Turkey and Pakistan. The protest outside the National Press Club in Islamabad has been called by the Pak-Palestine Forum.
In the last attack, 20 Israeli boats surrounded the flotilla of more than 40 boats and fired water cannons at several of the boats. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the detained activists will be deported later.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called the attack an act of terrorism, while the flotilla organizers called it a war crime and said the military used aggressive tactics, including water cannons, but no one was harmed.
Ireland’s foreign minister called the reports “deeply concerning,” saying it was a peaceful mission that was highlighting a humanitarian catastrophe. Amnesty International called for the protection of the flotilla’s workers.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese questioned why countries around the world were not taking steps to break the Israeli military naval blockade of Gaza, while Israel is accused of genocide and famine against civilians.
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