ISLAMABAD, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza by Israeli forces, terming it a violation of international law and humanitarian principles, the foreign ministry said.
"The unlawful detention of international activists onboard the flotilla constitutes yet another flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel, and endangers the lives of innocent civilians," the ministry said.
Islamabad said the incident was part of Israel's "ongoing pattern of aggression and illegal blockade of Gaza," which has caused immense suffering to more than 2 million Palestinians.
The obstruction of humanitarian relief was described as a grave breach of Israel's obligations as the occupying power under the Fourth Geneva Convention, the statement added.
Pakistan reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire across Palestinian territories, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, the release of all detained humanitarian workers and activists, and accountability for Israel's repeated violations of international law.
Several vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla were stopped in the Mediterranean Sea as they approached Gaza's shores, with passengers transferred to an Israeli port, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Wednesday night.
The flotilla, comprising around 50 vessels and more than 500 volunteers from over 40 countries, seeks to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver food and medical supplies to Palestinians.
Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The Israeli restrictions were further tightened following Hamas's cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023. ■