Humanitarian worker Saad Edhi arrived safely at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Saturday following his release from Israeli detention, concluding a high-stakes standoff surrounding the ongoing naval blockade of Gaza. Edhi, the grandson of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, was detained alongside approximately 100 other activists when Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters on Monday. The multi-ship convoy was attempting to breach the blockade to deliver humanitarian relief to Palestinians.
A large crowd of supporters and family members gathered at the airport, showering Edhi with flower petals and cheering as he entered the terminal. The safe return was the result of extensive diplomatic intervention. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that concerted efforts by authorities, facilitated by the Turkish government, secured the activist’s freedom. Edhi was initially deported from Israel to Istanbul on Friday before taking a flight back to Pakistan.
The interception of the civilian convoy and the subsequent treatment of the detainees have triggered rapid diplomatic fallout across Europe. After Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing detained activists bound and forced to kneel, France officially banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country. The United Kingdom and New Zealand both summoned Israeli diplomats in protest, while Spain urged the European Union to impose formal sanctions on the minister.
European Council President Antonio Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued statements denouncing the degrading treatment of the foreign aid workers. In Islamabad, Dar and the Foreign Office strongly condemned the detentions, calling the treatment of humanitarian workers deeply condemnable and totally unacceptable.
Pakistan’s Saad Edhi Freed Alongside Gaza Flotilla Activists
This video provides news coverage of Pakistan confirming Saad Edhi’s safe release and arrival in Istanbul after his deportation by Israel.