A protest demonstration in front of the National Press Club brought together members of Civil Society Islamabad in solidarity with the Samood Flotilla and the people of Gaza. Human rights activists, students, media professionals and civil society members raised slogans in support of Palestinian rights and condemned Israeli aggression.
Dr. Abdul Salam, representing Civil Society Islamabad, addressed participants and described the Samood Flotilla as a humanitarian initiative and a last ray of hope for the starving, wounded and sick in Gaza. He noted the flotilla is carrying essential supplies including baby milk, drinking water, food, medicines and other necessities.
Dr. Salam urged the Government of Pakistan, the international community and particularly the leadership of Muslim countries to take immediate and decisive action to safeguard the Samood Flotilla from possible threats. He emphasised that activists from 44 countries are risking their lives and must be protected against attacks.
He also praised the governments of Italy and Spain for deploying ships to provide rescue services near the flotilla and called on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to use their influence to ensure the safety of the mission and to establish a humanitarian corridor for delivery of food and medical aid to Gaza.
The Islamabad gathering underlined local solidarity with the Samood Flotilla and called on national and international actors to act swiftly to protect this humanitarian effort bound for Gaza.
