Islamabad, May 18,2026: Pakistani social worker Saad Edhi has reportedly been detained by Israeli forces following the interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla in the eastern Mediterranean, according to statements from his family and flotilla organisers.
The flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, said at least 10 boats were intercepted and contact was lost with around 23 vessels as military forces boarded ships in international waters.
Saad Edhi, son of prominent humanitarian figure Faisal Edhi, was among those reportedly detained during the operation.
In a video statement released earlier, Faisal Edhi said his son, a Pakistani citizen, was part of a peaceful humanitarian mission aimed at delivering food and medical supplies to war-affected civilians in Gaza. He urged the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate diplomatic action to secure his release.
Faisal Edhi further claimed that the flotilla participants were arrested in international waters and that their whereabouts remained unknown after their mobile phones were confiscated.
In a pre-recorded video message, Saad Edhi stated that the mission was a non-violent humanitarian effort aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and called for international attention to the situation. He added that if detained, it would be the responsibility of the Pakistani government to work for the release of its citizens.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said approximately 426 activists from 39 countries were involved in the mission, which they described as an attempt to break what they termed a blockade on Gaza. They also demanded safe passage for their vessels.
The flotilla reported that Israeli naval forces approached and boarded ships in daylight, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it would not allow any breach of what it described as a lawful naval blockade, urging vessels to change course.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to repeated attempts by activist flotillas to reach Gaza by sea, many of which have previously been intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters.
The situation remains developing, with no official confirmation yet from Pakistani authorities regarding Saad Edhi’s status or location.
