Widespread demonstrations broke out across Peshawar on Friday following the detention of a Pakistani senator by Israeli forces who intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy, in international waters. Hundreds of people participated in two distinct rallies, voicing strong condemnation of Israel and unwavering solidarity with Palestine.

A major demonstration organized by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) took place outside the U.S. Consulate. Addressing the gathering, the party’s General Secretary, Sabir Hussain Awan, asserted that Israel had breached international law by attacking the peaceful convoy.

Awan highlighted that Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, a representative of JI, was among those detained, describing his arrest as a ‘symbol of courage and steadfastness.’ He emphasized that the senator represented the will of “250 million Pakistanis.”

The JI leader firmly rejected the two-state solution, arguing it was contrary to the foundational principles of Pakistan. He issued a stern warning to the government against any consideration of recognizing Israel, cautioning that such a move would spark protests across the nation.

‘Global Sumud Flotilla was a caravan of humanity, and attempts to suppress it with force are unacceptable,’ Awan declared. He also criticized the silence of global powers, questioning the integrity of international leaders who aspire to peace prizes while disregarding the suffering of Muslims.

In a separate event, the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMLM) led a rally from Fawara Chowk to the Press Club. Participants in this procession demanded immediate international action in response to Israel’s conduct.

The PMLM demonstrators expressed profound concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the killing of children. They implored the global community to adopt a definitive stance to halt what they termed Israeli aggression.

While both rallies concluded peacefully, they shared a common message of severe criticism for global institutions and particularly the United States for their perceived failure to take a firm position against Israel. Speakers at both events urged the Pakistani government to amplify its voice for Palestinian rights on the world stage and to resist any pressure to formally recognize Israel.