Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly condemned what he described as a “dastardly attack” by Israeli forces on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of over 40 civilian vessels carrying more than 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries.
In a statement on X, the prime minister demanded the immediate release of all humanitarian workers “illegally apprehended” by Israeli forces. He said their only “crime” was carrying medicine and food for the “hapless Palestinian people,” adding that such “barbarity must end.”
Shehbaz stressed that “peace must be given a chance” and urged the international community to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), made up of more than 40 civilian boats with nearly 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists on board, included an Italian delegation. The flotilla was attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza despite repeated warnings from Tel Aviv.
Read more: Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla
Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, denounced the aggression as “an extremely serious matter,” especially as Italian citizens were among those on board. Other smaller unions also condemned the attack.
The incident has sparked fresh unrest in Italy. The grassroots union USB, which had previously called for a pro-Gaza general strike on September 22 that turned violent in Milan, announced plans to block the port of Genoa. Protesters were urged to gather late Thursday evening at one of the city’s main entrances.