Israeli forces have captured the last boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Arab media confirmed that the boat flew the Polish flag and had six people on board. It was stopped 43 nautical miles from Gaza’s waters. This boat was the flotilla’s final vessel still at sea after earlier detentions. All boats are now in Israeli custody.
Since Wednesday, Israeli forces have seized 43 boats from the flotilla. Nearly 500 aid workers and activists were on board. Out of them, over 200 have been moved to jail. Israel has said the detainees will stay imprisoned until deportation. Reports say the detainees will be kept in a prison in the Negev desert.
Read more: New Gaza Flotilla Challenges Israel’s Naval Blockade Again
One of the detainees is former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan. However, his exact location is still unknown. Pakistani officials have not yet confirmed his transfer to jail. They are working with European partners to help secure his release. The situation has raised concern across Pakistan and other countries supporting the flotilla.
The flotilla aimed to deliver aid and highlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Participants included peace activists from many countries. Their mission was peaceful, but Israel blocked it completely. The Israeli navy claims the blockade is necessary for security. Human rights groups strongly oppose this blockade and the arrests.
Now, with all boats seized and activists jailed, the mission has ended. Global attention has shifted to Israel’s treatment of the detainees. The arrests may spark international pressure on Israel. Activists have vowed to continue raising awareness. The Gaza crisis, however, remains unresolved.