Israel Intercepts Gaza Aid Flotilla, Detaining Activists Including Saad Edhi

All activists detained from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, including Pakistani humanitarian Saad Edhi, have been released from Israel’s Ktziot prison and are set for deportation, legal and rights groups confirmed on Thursday. Saad Edhi is the son of prominent social worker Faisal Edhi and grandson of the late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. The majority of the participants were transferred to Ramon Airport to be flown out of the country, with organisers expecting them to arrive in Istanbul.

More than 430 activists from around the world were taken into custody after Israeli forces intercepted their convoy, which was attempting to breach the long-standing blockade of the Palestinian territory. The incident sparked international fury, which was further inflamed when Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, posted a video captioned “Welcome to Israel,” showing him heckling the detained activists as they were held with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground.

Upon their release, several activists detailed severe mistreatment by Israeli security forces. Alessandro Mantovani, an Italian journalist, stated upon landing in Rome that they were “beaten up,” adding, “They kicked us and punched us.” Adalah, the legal centre representing the activists, reported that at least two participants were shot with rubber bullets, while others feared they had suffered broken ribs. Another deported Italian, MP Dario Carotenuto, described being held with “rifles pointed at us” as one of the “longest seconds in my life.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the “unlawful interception” in international waters and the “arbitrary detention and reported mistreatment” of the humanitarian workers. Prior to the release, former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan wrote to the country’s leadership, demanding “immediate, emergency diplomatic channels” to secure Saad Edhi’s release. The letter highlighted the Edhi family’s legacy as representing the “soul, and moral compass of Pakistan.” Pakistan also joined nine other countries, including Turkiye and Spain, in a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions.