Protests condemn Israeli assault on Gaza aid flotilla
A large crowd of protesters carrying Palestinian flags march through MA Jinnah Road, raising slogans against Israeli aggression in Gaza. Photo: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
A protest organised by Jamaat-e-Islami against the Israeli attack on the aid flotilla bound for Gaza turned into a march on Thursday, as participants marched from Numaish Chowrangi to Sharae Faisal under the leadership of JI Karachi Chief Monem Zafar Khan.
Speakers at the rally denounced what they described as US?backed Israeli aggression and condemned the detention of flotilla participants. They also rejected the so?called peace deal brokered by Donald Trump and demanded urgent international action to lift the blockade on Gaza so humanitarian supplies can reach those in need.
Addressing the march, Monem Zafar said that Israeli forces had last night carried out "open terrorism," detaining more than 500 activists from 44 countries who were part of the Global Steadfast (Global Sumud) flotilla. He criticised those who remain silent about the arrests and warned against growing ties with the United States at the expense of Palestinian lives. He said the flotilla was carrying food and medicine for the people of Gaza.
Civil society groups' protests
Several organisations staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club to condemn the attack on the aid flotilla, carrying relief for Gaza. Organisers included Human Rights Council Pakistan, Muslim Students Organization, Pak-Palestine Forum and other civil society groups.
Addressing the crowd, Saad Hamayun and Sardar Mubashir — among other leaders — called the attack a severe violation of human rights and said Israel is an illegitimate state that can not be recognised. They asked if providing assistance to the famine and poverty-stricken people of Gaza a crime.
The protesters demanded that the international community, including the United Nations, rein in what they termed the "terrorist state of Israel." They urged the Muslim Ummah to support the oppressed people of Gaza and called on world powers to pressure Israel to lift its illegal blockade so humanitarian aid can reach Gaza without obstruction.
The demonstrators also urged the Government of Pakistan to record a strong protest against the Israeli aggression at international forums and appealed to human?rights organisations worldwide to show tangible solidarity with the Palestinian people.