Ahmad recounts mistreatment in Israeli jail as he arrives safely in Jordan under the care of the Pakistan Embassy.
AMMAN – Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad, detained by Israeli forces during the interception of the Gaza aid flotilla earlier this month, has been released and is now in the custody of the Pakistan Embassy in Amman, confirmed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday. Ahmad, who was part of a group of activists and political figures on the Global Sumud Flotilla, was detained by Israeli forces after the flotilla, which aimed to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, was intercepted.
In a message posted on social media, Dar expressed relief over Ahmad’s release, stating, “I am pleased to confirm that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad has been released and is now safely with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman. He is in good health and high spirits. The Embassy is ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan, as per his wishes.” Dar also extended gratitude to the countries that helped in securing Ahmad’s release.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain last month, consisted of 45 ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The mission aimed to alleviate the dire situation in Gaza, where the United Nations had warned of an impending famine due to the Israeli blockade.
Ahmad Recounts Ordeal in Israeli Custody
In a video message following his release, Ahmad recounted the abuse he endured while in Israeli custody. Detained at Ketziot Prison, a high-security facility in the Negev desert, Ahmad revealed the brutal treatment he suffered, including blindfolding, physical abuse, and threats at gunpoint. “I was subjected to torture. My eyes were blindfolded, guns were pointed at us,” he said. Ahmad further described his hunger strike and the lack of basic necessities such as water, medication, and air during his imprisonment.
Despite the mistreatment, Ahmad remained resolute, expressing his commitment to continue the struggle for Palestine’s freedom. “We will continue the struggle for the freedom of Palestine,” he added, promising to share more details of his ordeal upon his return to Pakistan.
Ahmad’s account follows similar claims of mistreatment by other activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was also detained on the same flotilla. According to reports, Thunberg was held in a cell infested with bedbugs and was provided inadequate food and water. She also claimed that she was forced to hold flags for photographs during her detention.
Global Solidarity and Ongoing Activism
The release of Ahmad coincides with the deportation of 131 Gaza flotilla activists from Israel to Jordan. According to Jordan’s state news agency, the activists—who come from various countries, including Pakistan, the UK, the US, and several others—were transported through the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan.
These developments highlight the ongoing international solidarity for the Palestinian cause, with activists from around the world continuing to advocate for humanitarian aid to Gaza despite the risks posed by Israeli authorities.
