Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has pledged full support to the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led mission seeking to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian relief. JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the flotilla carries a powerful message of solidarity and urged the international community to strengthen the global movement for Palestine.
Nearly 20 ships carrying humanitarian workers, politicians, and activists from 44 countries have assembled in Tunisia for the mission. The Pakistani delegation, led by former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, includes representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Maldives, and the Philippines. Global figures such as Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela are also participating in the humanitarian effort.
Rehman announced that JI has suspended routine political activities to prioritize Gaza solidarity. He outlined plans for nationwide protests, outreach to Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, and Egypt, and letters to the UN Secretary-General as part of a wider campaign to highlight humanitarian crimes in Palestine.
The flotilla sets sail as Gaza suffers worsening devastation. Since October 2023, more than 65,500 Palestinians have been killed and over 167,000 injured, while thousands remain trapped under rubble. Continued bombardments have obstructed rescue operations, leaving families and aid organizations unable to recover victims or provide essential medical relief to survivors.
Sixteen countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Brazil, and South Africa, have urged Israel to guarantee the safety of flotilla participants. They warned that any unlawful actions would trigger international accountability. Spain and Italy have even deployed naval vessels to provide protection following reports of drones and explosions targeting ships preparing to sail.
Rehman strongly condemned U.S. backing for Israel, accusing Washington of deception and complicity in Gaza strikes. He also denounced an attack on negotiators in Qatar, calling it fascism. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised Gaza at the UN, JI vowed to intensify protests, diplomatic outreach, and grassroots mobilization.
JI Backs Global Flotilla for Gaza Aid Hafiz Naeem Urges Stronger International Solidarity
