PM Demands Immediate Release of Gaza Sumud Flotilla Activists

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly condemned the brutal attack by Israeli forces on the 40-ship Gaza Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries.

In a post on X, he demanded the immediate release of all aid workers unlawfully detained by Israel, saying their only “crime” was delivering assistance to the oppressed people of Palestine. He stressed that such cruelty must stop, peace should be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), made up of more than 40 civilian boats with around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, also included an Italian delegation. It set out to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering food and medicine, despite repeated Israeli warnings to turn back.

Italy’s CGIL union condemned the attack on civilian vessels carrying Italian citizens, calling it a very serious act. Other unions announced they would join in the protest. This followed a general strike held on September 22 in support of Gaza and the GSF, organized by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB), which had turned violent in Milan.

In Genoa, the USB said it planned to block the port and urged protesters to gather at one of the main entrances at 10 p.m. (2000 GMT).