Israeli Forces Detain Saad Edhi from Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla
Israeli forces have intercepted a large international aid convoy, the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” in the eastern Mediterranean, detaining hundreds of activists attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Among those detained is prominent Pakistani philanthropist Saad Edhi, who leads the Edhi Foundation’s delegation.
Saad Edhi, son of foundation head Faisal Edhi, was one of at least seven Pakistanis taken into custody. In a video statement, Faisal Edhi confirmed the flotilla was intercepted near Cyprus and appealed to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for urgent diplomatic action, calling the seizure in international waters illegal. He stated that the detainees’ mobile phones had been confiscated and their whereabouts were unknown.
In a pre-recorded message released after his detention, Saad Edhi described the mission as a non-violent effort to break the “illegal blockade and siege” of Gaza. “If you are watching this video, it means that I have been intercepted,” he said, calling on the Pakistani government to coordinate efforts for his release. Other prominent figures detained include Dr. Margaret Connolly, sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, along with at least five other Irish citizens.
The flotilla, consisting of over 50 vessels carrying 426 participants from 39 countries, had departed from southern Turkey on Thursday. Organizers reported that Israeli forces boarded the vessels on Monday about 40 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, subsequently losing contact with 23 boats. The detained activists were reportedly transferred to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
This marks the third attempt by the organization to deliver aid after previous flotillas were intercepted in recent months. Israel’s foreign ministry labeled the convoy a “provocation” and stated it would “not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza.” The action has drawn widespread condemnation, with Pakistan and other nations demanding the immediate release of all activists.
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Updated: 12:12 PM PKT — May 20, 2026
The convoy, carrying 430 aid workers, departed from the Turkish city of Marmaris. Reports indicate Israeli forces fired rubber bullets during the interception.
Updated: 2:52 AM PKT — May 20, 2026
Demonstrations took place in Karachi and London, with the Edhi family and social activists urging intervention for the detainees’ release. The BRICS nations also released a joint statement, condemning Israel’s interception of the aid convoy as a violation of international law.
Updated: 6:46 PM PKT — May 19, 2026
The convoy, also identified as the “Global Freedom Flotilla,” involved activists from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to draw global attention to the severe humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Updated: 1:15 PM PKT — May 19, 2026
A joint statement from 10 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Spain, has condemned the raid as a violation of international law. The nations expressed grave concern over the incident and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists.
Updated: 9:35 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack and detention of activists aboard the aid convoy, also known as the ‘Freedom Flotilla.’ Saad Edhi is the grandson of the revered late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. In his pre-recorded message, he stated it is the Pakistani government’s responsibility to secure his release.
Updated: 2:59 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
The convoy has also been identified as the ‘Global Freedom Flotilla,’ with detained activists now being taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Video footage has reportedly surfaced showing Israeli forces boarding the vessels.
Updated: 2:41 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Among the detained activists is the sister of Ireland’s president. Separately, the Malaysian Prime Minister condemned the seizure as an act of piracy while demanding the immediate release of all those on board.
Updated: 2:00 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Among those detained are seven Pakistani nationals from the Edhi Foundation. Saad Edhi, son of the foundation’s head Faisal Edhi, was reportedly live-streaming during the interception of the ‘Global Freedom Flotilla’.
Updated: 1:14 AM PKT — May 19, 2026
Israeli forces seized multiple vessels and detained over 100 international activists in the raid. Condemning nations are now demanding the immediate release of those on board.
Updated: 11:28 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The sister of the head of the Edhi Foundation was also among the prominent figures detained by naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea. The activists were subsequently transferred to an Israeli jail. This action has drawn condemnation from other nations in addition to Pakistan.
Updated: 11:12 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The intercepted aid convoy, also named the ‘Global Smooth Flotilla’, was the latest attempt to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory. According to the flotilla’s organizers, this follows the interception of a similar convoy by Israeli forces last month.
Updated: 10:50 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
Pakistani authorities have strongly condemned the action, describing it as a serious violation of international law and human rights. The international aid mission has also been identified as the “Freedom Flotilla.”
Updated: 10:16 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The mission has now been identified as the “Global Human Flotilla.” According to reports, Israeli naval forces attacked the vessel during the interception before detaining the activists on board.
Updated: 7:39 PM PKT — May 18, 2026
The flotilla, which included Faisal Edhi’s son, departed from Turkey on May 14. A total of 100 activists were taken into custody by Israeli forces, including seven workers from the Edhi Foundation.
