Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly condemned what he described as a "dastardly attack" by Israeli forces on the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of over 40 civilian vessels carrying more than 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries.

In a statement on X, the prime minister demanded the immediate release of all humanitarian workers "illegally apprehended" by Israeli forces. He said their only "crime" was carrying medicine and food for the "hapless Palestinian people," adding that such "barbarity must end."

Shehbaz stressed that "peace must be given a chance" and urged the international community to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need in Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), made up of more t...