Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan arrested over Hamas links as Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla

Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan has reportedly been detained by Israeli authorities while leading a Pakistani delegation aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The interception took place on Wednesday as Israeli naval forces boarded several ships attempting to break the blockade on Gaza.

The Pak–Palestine Forum confirmed the arrest on social media. “Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan has been arrested by Israeli occupying forces. This is the time to step out of your homes and demand the release of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and the volunteers from 44 countries with him," the group posted on X.

The forum also revealed that another Pakistani delegate, Syed Uzair Nizami, was on an observer boat that escaped the raid and relayed details about Khan’s detention. “Only one ship has managed to escape, i.e., the observer boat, whose duty was to collect information and escape,” the group said.

The arrest comes at a sensitive time. Just days ago, Pakistan accepted US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace proposal for Gaza amid speculation that Islamabad might also consider joining the Abraham Accords. Despite these developments, Pakistan has remained one of Israel’s most vocal critics during the Gaza war.

The flotilla, comprising more than 40 civilian boats and nearly 500 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers, set sail to deliver humanitarian aid directly to Gaza. Among the participants was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

According to The Guardian, Israeli authorities began monitoring the convoy in international waters north of Egypt before intervening when the boats entered what Israel described as a “high risk zone.” Around 20 Israeli naval vessels surrounded the flotilla and ordered the ships to shut off their engines. Footage showed passengers in life jackets waiting as soldiers boarded, before live broadcasts were cut.

“Our vessels are being illegally intercepted,” organisers wrote on the flotilla’s Instagram account. “Cameras are offline, and vessels have been boarded by military personnel. We are actively working to confirm the safety and status of all participants on board.”

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani later said his Israeli counterpart had assured him that the raid would not involve violence. “The boarding was planned… and this has been assured to me,” he told broadcaster Rai. Meanwhile, protests erupted across Italian cities including Rome, Milan, and Naples in solidarity with the flotilla.