Saad Edhi Released After Detention During Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception
May 2026 | By Azad News
Pakistan on Thursday confirmed the release of humanitarian worker Saad Edhi after Israeli authorities deported foreign activists detained during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this week.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Saad Edhi had safely arrived in Istanbul along with other activists following diplomatic efforts and coordination with relevant authorities.
Dar also thanked the Turkish government for facilitating the return process and assisting in ensuring the safe passage of the humanitarian workers.
Saad Edhi is the grandson of renowned Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and was among hundreds of participants involved in the flotilla mission aimed at challenging the blockade on Gaza.
Israeli forces intercepted approximately 50 vessels carrying nearly 430 activists and humanitarian workers in international waters earlier this week.
Following the operation, criticism intensified after footage allegedly showing detainees being mistreated circulated online, generating international backlash against Israel’s handling of the activists.
Several released participants later described harsh treatment during detention, alleging that Israeli commandos physically assaulted activists and restrained them for extended periods.
Belgian activist Julien Cabral claimed detainees were punched, insulted, and denied medical care despite suffering visible injuries during the operation.
According to the activists, some passengers aboard the vessels sustained fractures and other injuries while being transported after the interception.
Pakistan strongly condemned the treatment of humanitarian workers and reiterated its support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Conclusion
The release of Saad Edhi and other activists has renewed international attention on the Gaza blockade and the treatment of humanitarian missions operating in the region amid escalating tensions.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
