Pakistan and several other countries on Thursday condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) after its forces intercepted the flotilla heading to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and deliver aid. Israeli forces began intercepting the flotilla’s latest bid to reach Gaza late last night, the fleet said. Israel has so far intercepted 39 boats with foreign activists on board to Gaza, leaving only one vessel still sailing towards the Palestinian enclave, the flotilla organisers said today. The 45-vessel flotilla, with activists and politicians including Greta Thunberg on board, left Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of famine. Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was also on board. Hours after Tel Aviv’s move drew global condemnation, Israeli foreign ministry posted on X that all on board the flotilla were safe would be “deported to Europe”...
In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has called on President Donald Trump to intervene and help ease escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. This appeal comes in the wake of heightened hostilities following recent incidents in the Kashmir region, which have reignited long-standing disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Sheikh emphasized that the Kashmir issue represents a critical flashpoint that requires urgent attention from the international community, particularly from the United States, which has historically played a mediating role in South Asian conflicts.
During an interview with Newsweek, Ambassador Sheikh highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that the Kashmir conflict poses a significant risk not only to the region but also to global peace. He urged President Trump to leverage his position as a peacemaker to address the underlying issues that have perpetuated the conflict. Sheikh noted that a comprehensive and sustained initiative is necessary to resolve the Kashmir dispute, rather than temporary measures that fail to address the root causes of the tensions.
The ambassador's remarks come at a time when both countries are experiencing increased military activity along their borders. Pakistan has expressed concerns over India's military maneuvers and rhetoric, which Islamabad perceives as aggressive and provocative. Sheikh reiterated that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is essential for achieving lasting peace in South Asia, asserting that all other disputes between the two nations are secondary to this core issue.
In his appeal, Sheikh also referenced Trump's inaugural speech, in which the president expressed his desire to be remembered as a peacemaker. The ambassador underscored that facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and India could be a defining moment for Trump's legacy, particularly given the nuclear capabilities of both nations. He urged the U.S. administration to take a proactive stance in promoting dialogue and de-escalation efforts.
The call for U.S. intervention aligns with Pakistan's broader diplomatic strategy, which seeks to engage international partners in addressing regional conflicts. Sheikh's comments reflect a growing frustration within Pakistan regarding the lack of progress in peace talks and the perceived indifference of the international community to the plight of Kashmiris. The ambassador emphasized that the time for action is now, as continued hostilities could have dire consequences for the region and beyond.
As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how the U.S. responds to Pakistan's call for mediation. The potential for renewed dialogue between Pakistan and India could pave the way for a more stable and peaceful South Asia, but it will require commitment and cooperation from both sides, as well as support from global powers like the United States.
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