Pakistan has joined a coalition of 13 countries condemning Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla, as international criticism intensifies over the handling of activists, worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and ongoing military developments in the conflict.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Indonesia, Spain, South Africa, and several other countries denounced the Israeli military’s seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying activists and aid materials intended for Gaza. The group described the interception as a “flagrant violation” of international law, arguing that the operation took place in international waters and amounted to unlawful detention of civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission. The statement called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists and urged the international community to ensure accountability and uphold maritime and humanitarian law.
The flotilla incident has also triggered legal and diplomatic tensions in Israel. An Israeli court on Wednesday rejected an appeal filed by two detained foreign activists, including Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, who were among those seized during the operation. Their detention had already been extended until Sunday, with authorities citing the need for further interrogation. The activists were taken to Israel after the interception, while others aboard the flotilla were reportedly released in Greece following their removal from the vessels.
Separately, humanitarian concerns in Gaza continue to escalate. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has accused Israel of contributing to a “manufactured malnutrition crisis” in the territory, citing severe impacts on infants and pregnant women. The organization reported high levels of premature births and low birth weight among babies born to malnourished mothers, linking the situation to restrictions on aid, displacement, and damage to medical infrastructure. MSF said its findings reflect conditions observed across multiple health facilities in Gaza and warned of long-term consequences for maternal and newborn health.
The broader conflict has also seen continued violence. A Hamas political leader, Khalil al-Hayya, said his son was injured in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Daraj neighbourhood, which killed at least one person and wounded several others. He described the attack as part of ongoing strikes targeting Palestinian figures and institutions, while reaffirming that such incidents would not weaken the group’s position.
Together, the developments highlight escalating diplomatic friction over Israel’s blockade and military operations in Gaza, growing international pressure over humanitarian conditions, and continued armed confrontations in the territory.