Islamabad, October 3 — Pakistani activist Azeer Nizami, who has been part of a humanitarian mission sailing towards Gaza, has reported that their ship narrowly escaped an attempted interception by the Israeli navy in international waters.
According to initial accounts, the vessel carrying international activists and humanitarian aid supplies was approached by Israeli naval boats late Wednesday. Nizami and fellow activists claimed the Israeli navy attempted to halt their progress, but the ship managed to avoid seizure and is continuing its journey under difficult conditions.
In a video message released on social media, Nizami appealed directly to the Government of Pakistan for immediate assistance and diplomatic support, stressing that the activists’ safety remains under threat as the ship attempts to reach a safe harbor.
“We managed to escape, but the danger is not over. We need urgent protection and support from our government,” Nizami said in the message.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, an international civil society effort aiming to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Several ships in the flotilla have already been intercepted, and many activists reportedly face detention and deportation.
Pakistani rights groups have called on Islamabad to raise the matter at the international level, urging the government to coordinate with allies to ensure the safe passage and return of its citizen.
So far, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official statement on the matter.
