World

FM Qureshi condemns Israel's 'barbaric act'

At least 20 people were killed, and 50 wounded in a Israeli attack on Gaza-bound aid convoy.

Agencies May 31, 2010

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says what Israel has done with the freedom flotilla is a barbaric act and in violation of international law.

Talking to Express, Qureshi said that his immediate concern is to get information about the three Pakistanis on the ship which was carrying relief goods for the people of Gaza. Qureshi said he tried to contact his Turkish counterpart which has not been possible, and that he left a message for the Turkish foreign minister.

Meanwhile Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik contacted secretary general Interpol and asked him to get information about Pakistanis on board the freedom flotilla.

Condemnations

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the Israeli attack. They directed the foreign office and other concerned departments to get information about Pakistani senior journalist Talat Hussain and producer Raza Mehmood Agha. They emphasized that they would be updated about information to be received about Pakistanis who were on board.

According to a press release issued by the foreign office in this regard, the killing of members of the humanitarian mission, which also included women, is brutal, inhuman and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and norms.

The statement said that the government of Pakistan is seriously concerned over the well-being and whereabouts of the Pakistani citizens and media personnel including Syed Talat Hussain and Raza Mahmood Agha who were on board the Flotilla.

The press release stated that the Foreign Ministry is in constant touch with its Missions in the region to ascertain the well-being of Pakistani nationals.

Aaj News called on the government to immediately use its best offices to ensure safety of its Executive Director Talat Hussain and his producer Raza Mahmood Agha, along with Nadeem Ahmed of Khubaib Foundation.

Chief Executive of Aaj News Asif A Zuberi said that Israel committed an act of naked aggression on unarmed civilians and attacked the aid convoy.

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Governor Punjab Salman Taseer also condemned the Israeli attack and hoped that the foreign office will make for the safe return of the Pakistani journalists who were on board.

Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA and Member of the Standing Committee of Information and Broadcasting also condemned the Israeli action against the non-violent Freedom Flotilla and said the attack showed sheer aggression of Israeli government and its readiness to flout all norms of international law and diplomacy.

No contact has been established with Pakistani journalist Talat Hussain who was on board one of the six ships carrying aid to blockaded Gaza, after Israel attacked the convoy killing at least 20 and wounding 50.

Israeli warships attacked at least one of the six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid for blockaded Gaza. The al Jazeera satellite channel reported that Israeli navy forces fired at the ship and boarded it, wounding the captain.

The reports came just after daybreak, with the vessel still well away from the Gaza shore. Israel had earlier declared it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, where public radio quoted an unnamed Arab journalist aboard a ship as saying the navy intercepted the activists and that shooting was heard.

Israeli officials said overnight the navy told the activists by radio to turn back toward Cyprus or head for the Israeli port of Ashdod to unload the 10,000 tonnes of aid, which Israel would then transfer to the Palestinians in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

The convoy set off in international waters off Cyprus on Sunday in defiance of an Israeli-led blockade of Gaza.

The flotilla was organised by pro-Palestinian groups and a Turkish human rights organisation. Turkey had urged Israel to allow it safe passage and said the 10,000 tonnes of aid the convoy was carrying was humanitarian.

Israel had said it would prevent the convoy from reaching the Gaza Strip, which is run by the Hamas group.

Israel's military censor on Monday blocked the reporting of any information about people killed or injured and transferred to Israeli hospitals after the navy stormed a fleet of aid ships destined for the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Ambassador to Turkey was summoned to explain his country's storming of a Turkish aid ship sailing to Gaza.

Meanwhile in Istanbul, police protected the Israeli consulate from stone throwing protesters who tried to take over the building. A more peaceful protest later involved readings from the Qur'an and holding Palestinian flags. In Ankara, the Turkish capital, the Israeli Ambassador's Residence has also attracted a protest gathering.

COMMENTS (77)

Shoaib | 13 years ago | Reply @shabah: The US does stop ships in international waters but does not attack them. The links you posted show the people on board attacking the israeli army and i dont blame them for that. you cant expect them to sit in a corner and allow the isrealis to shoot and kill randomly. Moreover they attacked the soldiers with metal rods and pocket knives. If there were weapons on board as the israeli govt claims then how come they were never used? the isreali army kept shooting even tho the people on board were waving white flags. And sure egypt has closed its border with gaza cos they always had issues with palestinians but egypt never massacred innocent civilians, something that isreal has been doing for 50 years now. For years the americans asked the plestinians to elect a democratic govt and when hamas came into power fair and square they were labelled as terrorists. Self defence does not count as terrorism

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply to PakF, Wow, what an intellectual argument. You must have just read the first comment and then decided to hit the keys. If you had gone through the entire thread, you would have come across a post where I had admitted my mistake regarding the Israeli waters. But still since the boat of the so called peace rally was heading illegally towards Israel, it had the right to stop it. USA after all frequently stops and boards ships in International waters for inspection but no one says anything to USA but since its Israel, everyone just starts shouting. And please do not call this rally as a peace rally or a flotilla of innocent civilians. Watch the videos I have linked in my last post.

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Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply Innocent civilians? Peace rally? Come on, you guys need to be updated. Take a look at these videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU12KW-XyZE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUOeBWDJfR0&feature=related What did I tell you guys earlier, eh? Israelis must have fired in self-defense. And that is exactly what happened. Replace these soldiers with Pakistani ones and tell me should they have just allowed themselves to be beaten to death? Also, a friend highlighted an important point about which I had totally forgotten. Take a look at this map. http://slgardiner.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/gaza-map-1.jpg Everyone is so worked up about Israel blockading poor Gaza people. What about Egypt? That is an Arab Muslim country and that too blockaded Gaza ever since Hamas came to power. But no one blames Egypt. Everyone just cries out "Death to Israel! Death to Israel!". Oh come on, even Egypt realizes what Hamas is. Yet Pakistanis who are at war with similar militant Jihadi organizations fail to see it and call it a democratically elected government. Right. Sure. I hope to see what will be he reaction of you people if Pakistanis ever elect Jamat-e-Islami (a known supporter of Taliban) into power.

PakF | 13 years ago | Reply technically speaking i will break your face shabah... Israeli waters????? DO NOT comment when you know nothing...

Nabeel | Create Your First Website | 13 years ago | Reply So Shabah, are you trying to say, that you defend Israel in this action? How can you EVEN think that? I mean have you gone nuts?

Shoaib | 13 years ago | Reply @ sabah: you claim to judge everything based on a moral scale, seriously? you are defending a country which killed 20 innocent civilians. last time i checked that counts as terrorism.

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply To Hmaza The key word there is "was". Gaza still "is" part of Israel. It won it fair and square in war that its Arab neighbours started. They lost those territories in a war. Just by repeating again and again that it is their land isn't going to do anything to the Israeli flags fluttering over them.

Anjum Hameed | 13 years ago | Reply To Shabah I have made no claims....and when you have the resolved the Palestinian issue, and the Kashmir issue, and the Afghanistan issue, do let me know!!..regards

Hamza Baloch | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah ... techincaly speaking Pakistan was the part of india,so now india is allowed to do anything with Pakistan?

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply To Anjum, Yes, I quoted the wrong guy. Still you failed to resolve the issue and give any reliable evidence to your claim. I am posting the link on the original thread. We can continue this over there if you like.

Pakistani Resources | 13 years ago | Reply As we already know about israeli attack on (freedom fotila) by gunships. freedom fotila is a ship which carries 600 people on it and they were on board from turkey to ghaza. 3 Famous Pakistani are also the part of freedom fotila . Pakistani media, Government and civil society are drive this issue. But I ask a question from to all Pakistani’s that if an ordinary person were residing in that ship, the reaction of Pak Government would be the same?

Anjum Hameed | 13 years ago | Reply To Shabah.. Sorry, you got it wrong, I never made that statement..the other guy did..go check..happy holidays!!

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply I can also quote other scholars/intellectuals who will say things opposite to that what Chomsky said. Reading and quoting only one sided arguments from biased intellectuals doesn't change a thing. Not believe that list? Why not? That list accurately lists Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi, Lashkar-e-Tayyiaba and what not as terrorist organizations. We are at war with them and USA is helping us out in fighting that war through all kinds of support. So, why suddenly should I start mistrusting the USA? I don't believe in conspiracy theories. Secondly, the comparison between Pakistan and Gaza is inaccurate since Pakistan is an independent country whereas Gaza is a semi-autonomous part of Israel. Its not an independent country. It has not even declared its independence. It is far more accurate to compare Gaza in Israel with FATA in Pakistan. FATA just like Gaza is (or was) semi-autonomous. But when those people started to go against Pakistan's policies, Pakistan went in militarily to secure the situation. That is exactly what Israel did. So what is wrong with that? Everything that Israel did, Pakistan also did. But for some reason, everyone applies different standards. Sorry, I don't. I measure everything with the same moral scale.

Shoaib | 13 years ago | Reply @shabah: Chomsky, a Jewish scholar " most improtant intellectual alive" as described by Harvard said: "Personally I'm very much opposed to Hamas' policies in almost every respect. However, we should recognize that the policies of Hamas are more forthcoming and more conducive to a peaceful settlement than those of the United States or Israel... So, for example, Hamas has called for a long-term indefinite truce on the international border. There is a long-standing international consensus that goes back over thirty years that there should be a two-state political settlement on the international border, the pre-June 1967 border, with minor and mutual modifications. That's the official phrase. Hamas is willing to accept that as a long-term truce. The United States and Israel are unwilling even to consider it... The demand on Hamas by the United States and the European Union and Israel [...] is first that they recognize the State of Israel. Actually, that they recognize its right to exist. Well, Israel and the U.S. certainly don't recognize the right of Palestine to exist, nor recognize any state of Palestine. In fact, they have been acting consistently to undermine any such possibility. The second condition is that Hamas must renounce violence. Israel and the United States certainly do not renounce violence. The third condition is that Hamas accept international agreements. The United States and Israel reject international agreements. So, though the policies of Hamas are, again in my view, unacceptable, they happen to be closer to the international consensus on a political peaceful settlement than those of their antagonists, and it's a reflection of the power of the imperial states - the United States and Europe - that they are able to shift the framework, so that the problem appears to be Hamas' policies, and not the more extreme policies of the United States and Israel... And we must remember that in their case it's not just policies. It's not words - it's actions." secondly, lets assume that pakistan is attacked by another country. in that case dont we have a right to defend ourselves? because thats exactly what hamas is doing. you cant expect them to sit and watch innocent people die every day and do nothing about it. they have every right to defend themselves and that does not make them terrorists. during the 1990's israel and palestine initiated a peace process also known as the oslo agreement. israels current prime minister benjamin netanyahu first came into power in 1996 and he openly opposed the peace process so he clearly is in no mood for peace. and the list of terrorists that you keep talking about has been issued by the U.S department of state. you're actually going to trust the americans on the this? seriously? these are the same americans who not so long ago supported the afghans against the russians. i rest my case

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply Just because people elected Hamas, it becomes a non-terrorist organization? Really? Let me ask you this from a Pakistani perspective. What if Waziristanis or Afghans elect Taliban? Would that make them a non-terrorist organization? You guys are hypocrites. You do not apply the same principle everywhere. And the world really doesn't care what you think. Hamas is a terrorist organization according to international community and that is a fact. Israel is recognized as a sovereign nation by more than half of the world and that is a fact too. And Gazans electing a terrorist organization doesn't make the organization legitimate. Live with it. To Anjum, Hi. Yeah I left the Ahmedi debate after your ambigous answer in which you contradicted yourself. I had no intention of bringing it up here but since you asked, here it is "Saudis do not do it officially. Every year tens of thousand of Ahmadis perform Hajj and Umra from all over the world except Pakistan. They consider themselves Muslims and thus perform Hajj. There is only one incident on record when 104 Ahmadis living in Saudi Arabia were arrested and deported but there is nothing in their law and constiturion." Nice. May I ask on what grounds then were they deported? Illegal visa? Ah.. don't even bother to answer.

Anjum Hameed | 13 years ago | Reply To Shabah I see you have left the Ahmedi debate and entered the Israeli one!!..and on the other side again!!..I'm not even making a comment on your comments!!..just wanted to say hi..

Amir | 13 years ago | Reply Additionally, if we are to argue the legality and the details - Israel attacked a ship in international waters, which qualifies as piracy. When the boarders are heavily armed and well equipped, it would give the people on the ship the legal right to defend themselves or attack the boarders. Hence Israel's argument goes out the window, since the ships weren't even in its territory yet. Also, as someone metioned, collective punishment is NOT the solution to solving problems. You can not and should not allow a country's populace to suffer and die because you don't like their leaders.

Usman Bashir | 13 years ago | Reply @SHABAH i dont its just some pshyco issue of being different or what but my dear friend, no human in his senses would have supported this even this jews working with me. And now lets talk about your cold and hard facts. There were days when PLO was the world's most daring and dangours terrorist group for you guys and now its loved from Tel-Aviv to Washington. No 1 has a right to point the fingers of election process and they won those elections fair and square. They have solid baselines within their people and actually this is what they were suffering from and for that they are being punished for..... Infect if RedCross can train the taliban to protect themselves on the humantrian grounds whats so fuss about providing just food for the poeple who are suffering for this blockade. I am really feeling sorry for your blindness

Salman Latif | 13 years ago | Reply @Shabah Let me correct your facts. Hamas is a democratically elected party. Now what on earth is wrong with the principles of democracy? It goes null and void the moment a party contrary to the will of the so-called civilized world is elected to power? Does that not reek of sheer hypocrisy? For heaven's sake, stop giving those stupid arguments. Granated Hamas is declared a terrorist organization. How about Israel? I consider Israel a far great terrorist since the deaths inflicted by it on Palestinians is very disproportionate compared to Hamas. And sorry, I don't buy crap from the international declarations! People of a region are allowed to elect whatsoever government they want- that's what democracy dictates. If people could elect the likes of Bush in U.S., I don't see anything wrong with people electing Hamas in Palestine. And as a matter of fact, Israel played a far greater role in Hamas' election than Hamas itself. How else you expect people to respond when you attack and kill them? Surely, they would be obviously electing a government which at least promises them a change, be that through dialogue, something Israel has shown very little interest in, or through bullet.

Amina | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah, do you know why everyone's so worked up? It's not because it's 'particularly' Israel or our thinking has been blinkered and we see red when we see the words 'Israel'... it's the fact that no other country in the world would've acted in this manner and still had the chance of getting away scott free. It's the fact that no other 'civilized country' would've dared take such drastic steps and risk global diplomatic censure. We're not blinkered - you fail to see the fact that Israel DID NOT NEED to board the ships or kill those people. And yes, that includes those countries, too, that even send clear warnings. Also, you're a very sad minority right now, my friend. Israelis themselves are condemning the whole incident - who do you think you'll gain favor with by siding with a country that routinely employs the policy of disproportionate responses.

H I | 13 years ago | Reply Hi Shabah you seem to have the least knowledge on the planet earth. Hamas is a democratically elected govt.Just because Israel calls it a terrorist organization does that mean world will accept that.Isriel is a terrorist state it has blockaded even pasta for Gazans.It is Israel that has been occupying their land not vice versa, Where was Israel 50 years back in ur home town, it didn’t even exist.

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply Apologist? You guys are totally ignoring the facts Fact 1: Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization. Fact 2: People of Gaza voted for that organization and brought it to power showing just who and what they support. Fact 3: In light of Fact 1 and 2, how can you honestly say that the aid distributed so freely among Gaza residents will not end up in hands of Hamas? A population that actively votes and brings to power a militant organization known for terrorist activities cannot be trusted for anything. Those are the facts my friend. Cold and Hard facts. Israel is asking only one thing, which any civilized nation would ask under these circumstances. Remove Hamas and its support and blockade will be lifted. What is so wrong with that?

Arshad Zaman | 13 years ago | Reply Where our prayers, efforts, and concern must focus for the moment exclusively on the release of our brave countrymen, Talat Hussain, Raza Agha, and Ahmad Masood, we can be justifiably proud of them as Pakistanis who think and act globally, even at great personal risk. May God Almighty protect them and return them to safety. Perhaps the close links with Israel enjoyed by our Ambassador to the United States, who reportedly is working on their recovery, may prove invaluable in this instance. As for the media coverage that will ensue, I am sure we all know that in July 2009, Israeli press sources had revealed that Israel had allocated $150,000 to pay people to defend Israel in the blogosphere; and Newsweek, that the U.S. Israel Lobby has released a Propaganda Manual (available here: pdf) providing a template to defend Israel.

MacNurv | 13 years ago | Reply @shahbah Israel had made it very clear that it would not allow any aid convoy to go to Hamas held Gaza territory. blab blab. Under International Law collective punishment is a crime against Humanity. Technically speaking, it is Israeli waters. So, it is well within its rights to stop and board whatever ships it likes. Technically speaking Israel is formed on lands occupied from Palestinians and no matter what you say will change this fact. To all those calling Israel a terrorist Kindly view this list http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm Nope. Israel is not there. Yeah right a list prepared by State Department is the Rosetta Stone for all. By the way LTTE was not on that till mid 2000. Ok, so I was wrong that it was Israeli waters. Now tell me, if such an aid convoy was going to a Taliban held province in Afghanistan or to a Taliban held territory in FATA region, would you allow it to pass? Of course you won’t. LMAO, this is some thing beyond hilarious, there is nothing remotely similar between two. Get your facts right. And for the rest of your blah blah, Since your getting a direct hand outs from Israeli Information Ministry, its nice to see Israelis trolls/ apologists defending every act of the zionists state. But no matter what you say or how you spin it the truth remains Israel is its own biggest enemy. Period.

Salman Latif | 13 years ago | Reply // I doubt they would board a civilian ship firing all around like crazies. They must have fired in self defense like Israel always does. However, just like in any other scenario, the opposition must have been poorly trained resulting in zero Israeli casualties. Just think why did the firing take place? It can only happen if the other side does something to provoke firing.// Dude, you sound like a sorry apologist there. Really. Firing was heard, some knives were seen, but perhaps they were not professional and perhaps none of it hit Israeli soldiers and perhaps Isreali soldiers were forced to fire in defense and perhaps that's what resulted in the death of the 20 innocent people. That's a rather pathetic argument, my friend. And yeah, we know Israeli army is well-trained. It expertly targetted civilians with phosphorous bombs back in the days of Gaza attack. What's more, the aid organizations usually distribute the aid among the people rather than handing it over to the government or the official authorities, in this case Hamas. I'm surprised you didn't know that or pretended to ignore the fact. The hundreds of people on board that ship were not going to hand over the good to Hamas and then bid tata. They actually went to see an effective distribution. Honestly, you need to have done a little better research than trying to sound the 'enlightened' apologist.

mirvat | 13 years ago | Reply everybody dis is the time open ur eyes... israelies are exposed

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply To Mehvish May be you should read this instead of just one sided fairy tales regarding Rachel Corrie http://rachelcorriefacts.org/default.aspx Now about the issue that aid was meant for Palestinians and not for Hamas. Hamas are the guys with guns. Who do you think will get the aid? I doubt that the aid would have been distributed according to the Birkenhead drill. Who are we kidding? You honestly believe that organizations like Hamas and Taliban are going to allow medicines and food to be readily distributed without getting their cut first? And situation in Gaza is actually worse than Waziristan since these guys actually elected Hamas. Yes, they actually showed that they support a violent and an internationally recognized terrorist organization by electing it. That is democracy indeed and shows that Gazians cannot be trusted not to help Hamas. But when you get punished for showing that support, don't ask WHY? And in the news, it is mentioned that Israel does say that it warned the ships to turn away. "Israeli officials said overnight the navy told the activists by radio to turn back toward Cyprus or head for the Israeli port of Ashdod to unload the 10,000 tonnes of aid, which Israel would then transfer to the Palestinians in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The convoy set off in international waters off Cyprus on Sunday in defiance of an Israeli-led blockade of Gaza." And even then they moved in. This is clear defiance. I say Israel was well within its rights to board the ship. And if the ship was so peaceful, why did the firing take place? World knows that Israeli military is very professional. I doubt they would board a civilian ship firing all around like crazies. They must have fired in self defense like Israel always does. However, just like in any other scenario, the opposition must have been poorly trained resulting in zero Israeli casualties. Just think why did the firing take place? It can only happen if the other side does something to provoke firing. Also, if they were so hell bent on killing civilians, why just one ship? Why not all six? Think think about it please. Don't be partial just because its Israel.

mirvat | 13 years ago | Reply its not an issue of religion its an issue of humanitarianism.where is america nw whos always worried abt terrorisim although thy arnt targeted directly.shame on u america and israel dis was expected i wish dis cld be a turnin point against israelies.

Andleeb Tafweez | 13 years ago | Reply Reaction of the Pakistan Govt is pathetic.I believe the Govt has enough international/diplomatic connections to atleast establish the whereabouts of its citizens.Its the clear case of lack of will on the Govt's part.When the president's friend goes missing, the whole Govt machinery sprang into action to recover him in less than 12 hours, unfortunately not everyone gets the same treatment.I sincerely hope and pray that the three Pakistanis are well and will be returning home soon INSHALLAH.

Mahvesh | 13 years ago | Reply By the way Shabah, one of the ships was named after Rachel Corrie. Look her up - Israel calls such cases 'provoked' as well.

Mahvesh | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah - the ships were going to Palestine, firstly, not forcefully entering Israeli ports. Secondly, the aid is meant for Palestinians, not Hamas or anyone else ruling them (who, by the way were elected into power, so there goes your argument against democracy and elections if you want to bring that up). Comparatively, this is like you going in to give aid to people in North Waziristan while fighting the Taliban. You're not arming the Taliban, you're trying to help the local populace who's suffering. Thirdly, Israel did not have to attack the ships and kill people since there was no incentive. Everyone knew the ships wouldn't be allowed to get to Gaza and would be re-routed to Israeli ports, from where everyone would be deported. The issue here is this: humanitarian assistance. A state opening unprovoked fire and killing people. Israel did say it wouldn't let the ships through but come on, who are we kidding. Everyone knew that, this was meant to highlight the whole issue of Palestine under a siege. There was no threat to Israel, hence no provocation for the attack.

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply To Summer, Man, cool down. The territories that Israel holds today, most of it including the contested Jerusalem and the Holy mosque within; all of them were won by Israel fair and square in wars of 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973. And in each one of them, Israel was the defender. You can't blame a country for winning wars, can you? And all you are seeing is Israel attacking Gaza, blockading Gaza. Why don't you see who is in control of Gaza. Its Hamas for crying out loud. An Internationally recognized terrorist organization. People elected Hamas over there knowing full well what Hamas is going to do. This means they supported its policies. And we should not forget that it was Hamas which provoked Israel into attacking Gaza when it took two of its soldiers as prisoners. Now if a weaker person kicks a stronger person in the legs and the stronger individual then breaks the weaker person's jaw, why is it the stronger individual's fault? Who asked hamas to attack Israeli soldiers? And on blockade, Israel does allow medicines and food to flow into Gaza but only through its borders for checks and balances. It after all can't allow materials that can be used by Hamas in its war against Israel. Any country would do that. Even Pakistan would do that. How do you think people are alive over there if there was a so called complete blockade? Be sensible. Try to see it from a neutral perspective instead of going all hyper just because Israel is involved.

CybERSurfer | 13 years ago | Reply Irony is that Israel is surrounded by "Muslim" countries, and some of the Holiest Places are around there, but still no country amongst them has even dared to do something about it, and that too for the last 40 years, we over here are screaming about it but we don't matter, and those who do matter are quite... Praying for all the injured and martyred...

Ahsan Shahid TorontoWala | 13 years ago | Reply Bohat Afsoos hua...

Nadir El Edroos | 13 years ago | Reply I hope the ET will update this article to reflect the international condemnation that followed this tragedy, and a background on the flotilla and its organizers who represent dozens of nationalities, faiths and backgrounds. Greece for example has strongly condemned this incident as one of the ships in the flotilla was under a Greek flag. It has also cancelled military exercises and a visit by the Israeli foreign minister. France has demanded the immediate repatriation of the crew and members of the flotilla and called on the EU to immediately investigate the incident. Several heads of UN Agencies have deplored today's events, and it was indeed on the basis of a recent UN report on the plight of the people in Gaza, that pulled the rug under Israeli claims that Gaza was adequately supplied with food items. There is little point as painting this event as a West Vs. Islam dichotomy as a sizeable number of members of the flotilla were non-Muslims and the organizers represent global organizations. One would be hard pressed to find a European government that supports Israel over Palestine. Obviously, America is the country that matters, and given that it is still early morning in the US on a public holiday its not surprising that we have not heard from anyone from there. Though, a later meeting between Obama and Netanyahu will be another display of American hypocrisy, with empty condemnation "while America reaffirms its commitment to the defence of Israel." Israel should be the poster child of what not to do when faced with a humanitarian challenge. I hope on our part the government of Pakistan has contacted a allie such as Turkey or Jordon which has diplomatic relations with Israel to assess and insure the well being of Paksitani's aboard the flotilla that is being towed to an Israeli port.

Uzee | 13 years ago | Reply This calls for a protest!!! If we can protest against Draw Muhammad Day it is also necessary for us to protest against such inhumane activities!!!

summar Rao | 13 years ago | Reply Wel then define Shabah who is terrorist? peole who were made homeless or who captured their homes with fraudulent and counterfeiting Holocaust Drama for global symathies with their mentor americans and the west. And no law permits not any civilization prompts for such brutality and henious crime as israeli forces did? If israel is not letting in any convoy to ghaza blockade in the name of security or defence and go for preemptive strike then let others to to prevent sabotage of their values and states.

Deen Sheikh | 13 years ago | Reply This is certainly going to be a public relations nightmare and disaster for Israel, Id like to see how that Israeli Govt/Zionist regime manages to pull themselves out of this debacle. Utter and sheer cruelty, committing an act of hostility on a convoy of peaceful activists in INTERNATIONAL WATERS. I fear even now the Western world will not realize that it is high time they abandon their double standards for the Jewish state and react towards Israel's crimes against humanity. First Gaza last year, now this. Very unfortunate, the world is watching as crimes against humanity are occurring daily in the Occupied Palestinian territories.It is high time the Israeli's are stopped and prevented from getting away with everything.

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply To all those calling Israel a terrorist Kindly view this list http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/other/des/123085.htm Nope. Israel is not there. However, Hamas is there and right now it controls Gaza. Since we are already at war with at least 5 organizations on that list, we should support the country, which is also at war with those organizations. That is only logical. Heard of the expression, "Enemy of my enemy is my friend?"

summar Rao | 13 years ago | Reply wel Shabah! will u explain wht u concept humanity and brutality? And where it is written to attack aid convoys and will u elaborate the Jewish territory and wht way leads to Ghaza blockade so they could hv access to humanitarian aid? whta was the crime of those journalsits? they were to cover the feign acts and jewish aggression over hapless Palestians? Wel how time and again israel went for attacking syrians, lebanese iraqis, and hammas leaders and hapless palestinians?

Amna | 13 years ago | Reply now wat d u call dis ... this is terrorism !!!! ISRAELITE ARE DA REAL TERRORISTS !!!! now y doesn't America take action against it ......

Nadir El Edroos | 13 years ago | Reply So the world is failing in its duty to protect innocent civilians and to take action against the perpetrators. Sound familiar?

Ahmad Kazmi | 13 years ago | Reply The attrocities committed by Israel has no justification at all. Today, once again the humanity has suffered in the hands of Isreal who has contiunted its brutalities against inncoent people. The sad part is that there is not a single country in the world who could give the beffited response to these inhuman acts committed by the zionist regime. As a pakistani, I am very much concerned about the well being of Talat Hussain who is one of the finest brains around. May Allah keep him safe with a long life as he is truely an asset for Pakistan.

Umayr Masud | 13 years ago | Reply What would have the world done , if this attack was by Iran ?

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply Ok, so I was wrong that it was Israeli waters. Now tell me, if such an aid convoy was going to a Taliban held province in Afghanistan or to a Taliban held territory in FATA region, would you allow it to pass? Of course you won't. Israel had made it very clear that it would not allow any aid convoy to go to Hamas held Gaza territory. That aid can be used by Hamas to maintain its hold on Gaza territory. There is no difference between Hamas and Taliban. Then why the double standards? Just because its Israel? Apply the same standards. These people had been warned and were made very clear that no such convoy would be allowed to pass. Its hardly unprovoked attack.

farhan | 13 years ago | Reply The attack was deplorable, to say the least. We are concerned over 3 pakistanis and especially for Talat Hussain: We love you, Talat.

Zeeshan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Sabah: Israel also has the right to kill anyone and everyone who challenges his illegal occupation and bloackade of 1.5 Million Gazans? Be genuine to your self and think what would you do if soneone invades your house, deprive you from it and then consistently keep killing your family membeers... will you still give the occupier the right to stop your from protest? Its matter of Human Rights!

Z ali | 13 years ago | Reply WAKE UP MUSLIMS . SHAME ON US .what one can say. No one can imagine in what kind of situation people are living in Gaza and Jerusalam and other occupied parts of palastine. I have friend there with whome i chat he told that that their life is Miserable. No food no money no medicine its kind of open jail. My God excuse us. This time can come to any one. No words ...............

imran | 13 years ago | Reply Terorrists>>>>>>>>>>> THe actual terrorists is israel with the support of america all world and islamic countries are silent on israel brutality and other side a peacful country iran has been harrased by all countries including muslim world...........................Shut up america and israel stop terrorising muslim world................!!!

Mohsin Hijazee | 13 years ago | Reply Very much concerned about Talat Hussain and the crew. He is the best journalist. May ALLAH save him.

concerned | 13 years ago | Reply I don't get why Israelis like Pakistanis have to overreact at non-issues. I don't think killing activists, if indeed they were unarmed, will help Isreal's image at all. I think both Israel and Pakistan need to get a grip and stop making a mountain out of a molehill.

Ayesha | 13 years ago | Reply why are people so brain dead....@shabah first of all its not anyone's right to stop humanitarian aid and cause a humanitarian crisis in its wake...people in Gaza are suffering because of Israeli blockade of aid and secondly how can you be soo naive as to not understand the difference between STOPPING a vessel and KILLING people on board a vessel?!?!! Please read the news story again Israel didnt try to stop the vessel it ATTACKED the vessel killing innocent people as a result. It was a typical Israeli act of aggression. I assume by your line of argument you would also support killing innocent people if they are in your territory or right of jurisdiction.

Ghulam Shabbir | 13 years ago | Reply @shabah Dear shabah i don't who are you and what was your purpose of supporting israeli terrorism But for your kind information when israel attacked ship it was in international waters and for the sake of argument if we accept that ship was in israeli waters even then it is not justify to attach the ship.They have all the technology and strong army they can easily arrest them as people on ship were unarmed.It is a simple case of state terrorism and it is neither first nor last terrorist activity from israel.Muslim ummah should unite and an transparent investigation should be launched by UN to investigate the matter and punish the responsible of this brutal attack.in this attack There is lesson for Taliban and Alqaeda these terrorist organizations should stop attacking innocent people in and outside Muslim countries and start real JIHAD against Israeli and American army and those who support this kind of attacks and all Muslim Ummah should support them.We should send strong signals to israel and its allies.Muslim rulers should take up this issue on all international forums and an OIC meeting should be called upon to discuss further plans of action.Pakistan Government should send a delegation to brother country Turkey and Iran and assure them of complete support of any kind. ALLAH O AKBAR

maryum | 13 years ago | Reply sabah what do you mean by Israelis water, it doesn't mean they start killing innocent peoples. i am really worried about those peoples who are injured and arrested by killer Israelis. Allah saves all wounded and our very own talat hussain life.

Faisal | 13 years ago | Reply Sabah it was 40 km out of Israeli water..... get your facts straight.

abid | 13 years ago | Reply For your kind information Shabah, it was stopped in international waters before it entered Gaza waters. Read aljazeeras report. And such indiscriminate force is still not justified. May Allah help them all

Taimur | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah You are right Israel can hold any transportation wihtin their waters, however there could have been a work around to stop it wihtout killing the people on baord. If you see this acts goes against israel- Politically.

Hamza Baloch | 13 years ago | Reply May ALLAH save the injured... May ALLAH save Talat Hussain... World will remain silent:|

morgan | 13 years ago | Reply we again understand isreal is a killer...

Zaki | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah, you're an inhuman , to say the least!

Khalid Munir | 13 years ago | Reply @ Sabah Territorial limits end at 12 km from shore, then international waters start. In any case Ghaza is palestinian land.It was Egyptian land till the 1967 war.By virtue of Oslo Ageement in 1993, it was given to Palestinians for self rule.Hammas is ruling after winning elections. A sad incident. Let us hope Talat Hussain is safe.

Blizzard | 13 years ago | Reply Now where's world's Daddy (USA).....Cmon USA speak up....we're wwaiting for you to butt in here like you do everywhere else....

Wanderer | 13 years ago | Reply Casualties were sad event . Loss of human life if irreparable but no one mind no one would be allowed to Sail in Israeli waters without it's permission . When israel told them to head to cyprus or israel they defied these orders and brought this on themselves .

Kanwar Nabeel | 13 years ago | Reply the news should have been " ISREALI TERRORIST NAVY ATTACKED UNARMED HUMANS , INCUDING WOMANS AND CHILDRENS " America has launched war against terrorist but they cant see israeli terrorists , shameful

Salman Latif | 13 years ago | Reply @Shabah Well...then you are technically wrong. The ships were attacked in international waters and the attack was a breach of the international law. So, no, Israel had absolutely no right to make this move!

Alee | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah, the attack took place 90 miles off the coast of Gaza, which is International Waters.

Amina | 13 years ago | Reply Thank you for highlighting this issue - this is huge news, Israel attacking a humanitarian aid ship that has people from all over the world. Moreover, the fact that 3 Pakistanis are on board should be cause for more concern, and this event is not being covered much by the international media or our own.

Khalid Javed Butt | 13 years ago | Reply Israil has once again proved that it is above all international laws. It is shameful for its patrons (USA and its stoog, the Western World) who remain busy, day and night, preaching the world fundamentals of human rights but conveniently ignore when these violations are committed by themselves or their dear ones (either in Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East or Gitomo)! Shame on the prophets of hypracy!

Umayr Masud | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah, The ships were attacked in International waters. As George Galloway has said George Galloway MP The EU calls for an "inquiry" into the attack. What would it call for if Iran had done this?

Azeem | 13 years ago | Reply Shabah would you say the same thing if it was an israeli Ship in Saudi Arabian or Iranian Waters.

anwaarahmad | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Talat Hussain! Humanity and Pakistan needs you.

UrbanSoul | 13 years ago | Reply I guess every one knows that Israel have self granted right to do any thing what ever they like........................

Mubashir | 13 years ago | Reply It was still in International waters when the flotilla was attacked. So Israel can do anything and get away with it! While others are targeted just on presumptions of WMDs and terror threats. This world has lost all sanity. Where are we heading to?

jan alam | 13 years ago | Reply shame Israeli shame

Know the truth and speak | 13 years ago | Reply They occupied Palestinian surface and built their colonies over there and called it israel, ok fine, we agree that jews have a right to have a seperate state but along with Palestinian Free state, which they are not willing to allow, Palestinians should have equal rights. Lets see how it ends up. i hope the rest of the passengers in board are safe and they get released soon.

Tahir Mahmood | 13 years ago | Reply Zionists are making the world peace shattered since long. Though the world at large is now coming out of their propaganda and hatred or at least the disliking of their acts is spreading from muslim ummah to other justice loving human beings especially in far eastern population of Asia besides catholic Christian worldwide.

Shabah | 13 years ago | Reply Technically speaking, it is Israeli waters. So, it is well within its rights to stop and board whatever ships it likes.

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