Mushtaq Ahmed remains in Israel custody as 29 more GSF activists deported
Pakistan’s former senator Mushtaq Ahmed continues to remain in Israeli custody as 29 more activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were deported, Israel’s Foreign Minister confirmed on Sunday.
The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and hundreds of international activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters last week. An Israeli official earlier stated that boats carrying more than 400 people had been stopped from reaching Gaza.
According to the latest statement, around 170 detainees have been deported, while over 280 volunteers — including Mushtaq Ahmed — remain behind bars in Israel.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among more than 70 people of various nationalities set to leave Israel on Monday after being detained on the flotilla. The released activists will first be flown to Greece before returning to their home countries, officials confirmed.
The deported group includes 28 French citizens, 27 Greeks, 15 Italians, and nine Swedes, while 21 Spaniards already returned to Spain on Sunday. Despite the latest releases, several foreigners remain in Israeli detention, including 28 Spanish nationals.
The 45-ship Global Sumud Flotilla was attempting to break the blockade and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has repeatedly warned of worsening famine conditions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office earlier condemned the interception, calling for the immediate release of its citizens and other activists, while reaffirming its support for the Palestinian cause.
Read more on Pakistan’s diplomatic response at MegaNews.tv.
