Humanitarian activist Saad Edhi and around 430 volunteers of the Global Sumud Flotilla have been released after being detained by Israeli forces during a Gaza-bound aid mission.
Following their release, the volunteers were transferred to Türkiye, with reports confirming their safe arrival in Istanbul.
Legal organisation Adalah said the detainees were later deported by Israeli authorities.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed Saad Edhi’s release, saying on X that it was secured through coordinated efforts by the Government of Pakistan.
Saad Edhi Detained During Gaza Aid Mission
The volunteers were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international humanitarian convoy carrying aid for civilians in Gaza. The mission included more than 500 participants from multiple countries and departed from Marmaris, Türkiye, on 14 May 2026.
Saad Edhi was among those detained when Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla at sea. He had issued an emergency video message shortly before the interception.
Organisers described the mission as a peaceful humanitarian effort aimed at delivering relief supplies to Gaza.
