Hasnain Jafer, a 23-year-old activist from Balsall Heath, Birmingham, has shared how Jeremy Corbyn’s dedication was instrumental in securing his release after being detained at sea. Hasnain was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission carrying vital aid—such as food, school supplies, and medicine—to Palestinians in Gaza. On May 18, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, detaining those on board.
After several tense days in detention, the flotilla was redirected to Turkey on May 21, and Hasnain was among the hundreds of activists ultimately released. The ordeal has left a lasting impression on Hasnain and his father Jeff, who both publicly praised Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader, for his unwavering support during the crisis.
Last month, Corbyn met with families connected to the Global Sumud Flotilla amid reports from Reuters about allegations of sexual assault made by some detainees. Corbyn condemned the interception and treatment as “an assault on our common humanity,” emphasizing the flotilla’s mission to save Palestinian lives under siege.
READ MORE: Drivers Face Up to £50 Annual Increase in EV Charging Costs as Ofgem Raises Price Cap
READ MORE: DVSA Takes Action as Drivers Face Six-Month Delays in Obtaining Licences
On Instagram, Corbyn wrote: “People sail to Gaza with one intention: to save the lives of Palestinians being starved to death. Their abominable treatment is an assault on our common humanity. End the genocide — and lift the siege.”
Hasnain described the efforts by Corbyn and other MPs as “monumental.” Along with Birmingham MP Ayoub Khan and others, Corbyn signed a joint statement urging the government to intervene, a move that Jeff Jafer says was vital.
“I thank everybody who has helped and everyone who assisted,” Jeff told BirminghamLive. “Especially Jeremy Corbyn MP, Ayoub Khan MP, and other MPs who signed the joint statement. They fought tirelessly for us and were the backbone of support. They made other politicians aware and rallied widespread backing. Their help was tremendous.”
Hasnain added: “They supported all UK participants in the flotilla, even those outside their constituencies. For them to speak out and help is monumental—we will never forget it.”
Jeff concluded with heartfelt hope for humanity: “That group of MPs, especially Jeremy Corbyn and Ayoub Khan, deserve endless thanks. They asked for no accreditation, showing their genuine decency. Many others worked quietly behind the scenes as well, and I’m deeply grateful.
“If there weren’t good people in the world, humanity wouldn’t survive. I pray and hope that one day, this goodness spreads across the globe.”