Metro53 - ISTANBUL: Reports emerging on Wednesday suggested that a humanitarian maritime mission, Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0, may have come under interception in international waters, sparking concern among rights groups and observers.
According to preliminary accounts cited by Al Jazeera and other media outlets, vessels taking part in the aid mission were allegedly stopped and boarded. Some participants were reportedly detained, though independent verification of these claims remains limited.
Unconfirmed reports further indicated that dozens of boats involved in the flotilla were affected during the operation, raising questions about compliance with international maritime law and the safety of those on board.
Sources familiar with the development said that Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator from Pakistan, was among the participants on one of the vessels near Greek waters. His last known contact was reported at approximately 4:51am Pakistan time on April 30. Since then, no verified communication has been established.
There has been no immediate official statement from Israeli authorities regarding the incident. Similarly, Pakistani officials have yet to issue a formal response.
Human rights advocates have urged international organisations to take notice of the situation and called for assurances regarding the safety and release of any detained individuals. They also emphasised the need to uphold protections for humanitarian missions operating in international waters.
