Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan who is leading Pakistani delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has been detained among detaining over 200 individuals from 37 countries who were attempting to break the Gaza blockade.
In a post on X, the Pak Palestine Forum said, “Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan arrested by Israel.”
The group further said: “Only one ship has managed to escape, i.e., [the] observer boat, whose duty was to collect information and escape. Our second delegate Syed Uzair Nizami was sailing on the observer boat and shared the information regarding the interception of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan’s ship.”
According to Al Jazeera, the flotilla’s spokesperson, Saif Aboukshik, confirmed the detentions on Instagram, stating that individuals from Spain (30), Italy (22), Turkey (21), and Malaysia (12) were among those arrested.
Despite these arrests, Aboukshik assured that the mission would continue, with nearly 30 boats still attempting to reach Gaza through the Mediterranean. He stated, “Our volunteers are determined and motivated, and they will do everything possible to reach Gaza’s shores by morning.”
What is a flotilla, and how is it linked to Gaza’s humanitarian aid?
A flotilla is a formation of group of vessels sailing together for a shared mission. The term comes from Spanish and often describes civilian convoys in today’s coverage.
Activists use flotillas to travel in groups for safety, visibility, and coordination.
In Gaza’s case, the link began with the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a six ship effort that later formed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
Since then, follow on attempts in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, and in June and July 2025 were all intercepted by Israeli forces.
In August 2025, the coalition joined the Global Sumud Flotilla and launched new convoys toward Gaza to deliver symbolic aid and challenge the blockade.
Interception of a civilian convoy raises legal and moral concerns about humanitarian access
Activists reported that Israeli naval craft approached with transponders off and ordered boats to cut engines.
Organisers said the Alma and Sirius were among the vessels halted.
The flotilla counts nearly fifty boats and about five hundred participants, including Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela. It carries a symbolic amount of aid to highlight blocked access to Gaza.
Israel says aid should move through other channels where IDF has more authority. Critics counter that diverting a peaceful convoy silences visibility, delays relief caused by IDF soldiers, and treats humanitarian volunteers as suspects rather than partners.
