We are determined to reach Gaza under any circumstances: Mushtaq Ahmed

'We are on the way to Gaza with a convoy of 20 ships, while another 17 to 18 vessels are expected to join us en route'

Web Desk

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17 Sep 2025

Former Jamaat-i-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who is leading the Pakistani delegation aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) headed for Gaza, has urged Pakistan and the international community to extend full support and ensure the security of the convoy after two of its ships were damaged in suspected drone attacks.

During a talk show, he spoke from aboard the flotilla, Khan said, “We are on the way to Gaza with a convoy of 20 ships, while another 17 to 18 vessels are expected to join us en route. Currently, we are moving toward Malta, from where we will continue our journey to Gaza.”

He confirmed that drones had flown over the convoy and two vessels were damaged in the attacks. “These attacks will not deter us. We are determined to reach Gaza under any circumstances, no matter what price has to be paid,” he vowed.

Khan said the flotilla was carrying humanitarian supplies, including infant formula, medicines, and other essential aid, aimed at supporting Palestinians facing what he described as “genocide” under Israel’s blockade. “We call on Pakistan and the global community to issue strong statements of support and provide security to this mission,” he added.

He also shared a video, stating that the flotilla had crossed Italy and was now sailing toward Malta. He said that his phone was facing cyberattacks, adding that such tactics had long been used by Israel.

السلام علیکم۔۔۔
'صبح بخیر اے میرے ہم وطنو'پیارےپاکستانیو۔
گلوبل صمود فلوٹیلا برائے غزہ 'بحیرہ روم کے پانیوں میں۔
گلوبل صمود فلوٹیلا کو تحفظ دو۔
غزہ کی ناکہ بندی ختم کرو غزہ کے لیے انسانی امداد کی بلا رکاوٹ ترسیل کرو غزہ میں جینوسائیڈ کو ختم کرو۔@Pak_PalForum @gbsumudflotilla pic.twitter.com/4ZlguXIX9f
— Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan | سینیٹر مشتاق احمد خان (@SenatorMushtaq) September 17, 2025

Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that the foreign ministers of Pakistan and 15 other countries had voiced concerns for the safety of the flotilla and urged protection for its participants.

The ministers of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to safeguard the flotilla, which is carrying civil society activists from more than 40 countries.

The GSF set sail from Tunisia’s port city of Bizerte on Sunday after a delay, following attacks on two of its vessels last week. Organizers have said they are determined to break Israel’s blockade and deliver life-saving aid to Gaza.