Pakistani humanitarian activist Saad Edhi and 430 international volunteers associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla have been released after being detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza.
According to reports, Saad Edhi and other volunteers were transferred to Türkiye following their release from Israeli custody. The humanitarian workers were reportedly deported by Israeli authorities after their detention at sea.
Ishaq Dar Confirms Saad Edhi’s Release
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Saad Edhi had been released after what he described as illegal detention by Israeli occupation forces.
In a statement shared on X, Ishaq Dar said the Pakistani government made concerted diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the humanitarian workers.
He added that Saad Edhi and the other detained volunteers safely arrived in Istanbul after being released from custody.
Global Sumud Flotilla Was Carrying Aid to Gaza
The 430 volunteers, including Saad Edhi, were travelling aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The mission aimed to transport relief supplies to Palestinians affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
According to organisers, the aid convoy departed from Marmaris in Türkiye on May 14, 2026. More than 500 humanitarian workers and volunteers from different countries participated in the mission.
Saad Edhi was representing the Edhi Foundation during the international humanitarian campaign.
Activists Claim Israeli Forces Used Force
Human rights organisation Adalah stated that Israeli authorities detained the humanitarian workers before deporting them.
Moments before his detention, Saad Edhi reportedly released an emergency video statement from the vessel. The footage allegedly showed Israeli forces carrying out operations against the aid mission at sea.
The Edhi Foundation and international volunteers described the flotilla as a peaceful humanitarian effort aimed at helping Palestinian civilians.
Activists claimed Israeli forces used force to intercept the convoy and detain the aid workers despite the non military nature of the mission.
Humanitarian Concerns Over Gaza Continue
The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Aid organisations have repeatedly called for unrestricted humanitarian access to civilians facing shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and medical supplies.
Human rights groups and international activists continue to demand safe humanitarian corridors for relief missions heading toward Gaza.
The release of Saad Edhi and other volunteers has drawn widespread attention in Pakistan and among humanitarian organisations globally.