Pakistan confirmed on Thursday the release of humanitarian worker Saad Edhi, who was among hundreds of activists freed after Israel deported foreign detainees intercepted during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission earlier this week.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saad Edhi, grandson of renowned philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, had safely arrived in Istanbul with other activists following what he described as “concerted efforts” by Pakistani authorities.
Dar thanked the Turkish government for facilitating the evacuation and ensuring their safe passage, and strongly condemned Israel’s handling of the detainees, calling it “deeply condemnable and totally unacceptable.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unequivocal support” for the Palestinian cause.
Israeli forces had intercepted roughly 50 vessels carrying around 430 activists on Monday in international waters, as part of an attempt to challenge the naval blockade on Gaza.
The situation escalated after a video released by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appeared to show detained activists being mistreated, triggering widespread criticism and pressure on Israel to release those held.
Following the backlash, Israel deported nearly all of the detained participants.
Returning activists described harsh treatment in detention, including physical abuse, restraints, and lack of medical care despite visible injuries. Belgian activist Julien Cabral said commandos “brutally punched” detainees, tightly bound their hands with plastic restraints, and forced them into stressful conditions inside prison transport vehicles.
He further alleged that passengers on one vessel suffered multiple fractures due to the treatment.
The activists said they were slapped, insulted, and denied proper medical attention throughout their detention.
