The illegal state of Israel has long perpetuated an atmosphere of terror and insecurity in the Middle East. This terrorist state consistently violates the principles of peace and human rights. When countries or resistance groups like Hamas and Hezbollah resist, the United States is quick to support the illegal state of Israel. The Israeli aggression against Palestinian territories has become routine. Israel's ongoing land, sea, and air blockade on Gaza has resulted in severe shortages of aid and food. Daily Palestinian casualties are reported due to Israeli bombardment and terrorism, with children dying from hunger and lack of medicine. Over 66,000 innocent Palestinians have been martyred so far, while human rights organizations appear helpless.
In response to the dire situation, several countries launched a peaceful maritime voyage to Gaza, seeking to break the illegal Israeli naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged population. However, Israeli aggression persisted, targeting even this peaceful flotilla.
On August 31, 2025, the humanitarian flotilla, known as the "Global Sumud Flotilla," set sail from Barcelona, Spain. In maritime terms, "flotilla" refers to a fleet of small ships or boats. "Sumud" is an Arabic word meaning steadfastness, resilience, and determination. The flotilla comprised several key vessels, including Handala, Mavi Marmara II, Marinette, Akdeniz, Freedom, Hope, Naji Al-Ali, Solidarity, and Justice, with participation from various prominent organizations.
The flotilla carried over 500 prominent individuals from more than 44 countries, including doctors, human rights activists, parliamentarians, religious leaders, and journalists. Notable participants included former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan representing Pakistan, Al Jazeera journalist Hassan Masoud, and Zwelivelile Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, or 'World Resilience Fleet,' continues the legacy of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which set sail on May 30, 2010, aiming to break the naval blockade on Gaza. Its key objectives included symbolically challenging the blockade, delivering humanitarian aid, medicine, and food to the besieged population, and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. Additionally, it sought to draw global media and institutional attention to Gaza's dire situation. As such, the Global Sumud Flotilla represented a peaceful and robust mission on humanitarian, moral, and political fronts.
Unfortunately, the humanitarian mission did not escape Israeli aggression. The flotilla came under drone attack at various locations, with the first incident occurring on September 8 near Tunisia, followed by further attacks on September 24 and 28, 2025. Ultimately, the Israeli Navy seized most of the vessels on October 2, 2025, and captured the final ship, Marinette, 42.5 nautical miles off Gaza's coast on October 3, 2025. Activists were detained and taken to Ashdod port, where their phones were disabled. Some aid workers have reportedly been deported to Istanbul.
An attack on a humanitarian flotilla comprising doctors and journalists is, in essence, an assault on peace itself. This occurs amid US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire, with Hamas reportedly showing willingness to accept his 20-point plan, which proposes transferring Gaza's administration to an unspecified non-Palestinian technocratic body. Despite these developments, Israeli aggression persists, marked by relentless airstrikes on Palestinian territories and a continued siege that hinders humanitarian aid. The situation remains dire, with 66 Palestinians, including children, killed in just 24 hours from October 4 to 5, 2025.
At the recent United Nations conference, the international community largely united in condemning Israeli aggression and calling for a solution to the conflict. Several countries, including South Africa, have taken further action by filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of genocide against Palestinians.
Pakistan has consistently maintained a clear stance on Palestine, advocating for the prompt establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al_Quds Al_Sharif) as its capital. It is imperative that the Muslim Ummah unites to ensure the realization of this demand, thereby curbing Israel's illegal occupation and terrorist activities in the region. A ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the terrorist Israeli military from Gaza are prerequisites for peace in the area.
Resistance against oppression has never ceased and will never cease. According to reports, another humanitarian flotilla named "Zameer," consisting of 10 ships, has set sail for Gaza.
Insha'Allah, the day is not far when the oppressed Palestinians will be free from the subjugation of the aggressors. May Allah Almighty soon grant peace and freedom to the people of Palestine.
Ameen.
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