Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that humanitarian activist Saad Edhi is among flotilla participants released from Israeli detention and safely transferred to Istanbul.
The development comes after activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces during a Gaza-bound aid mission.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had achieved the release of Saad Edhi through coordinated diplomatic efforts.
He stated that Saad Edhi, along with other humanitarian workers, had safely arrived in Istanbul, expressing gratitude to Türkiye for facilitating their return.
Dar strongly condemned the detention, calling the treatment of humanitarian workers “deeply condemnable and unacceptable.”
Flotilla activists deported, sent to Türkiye
According to reports from multiple agencies, activists detained during the flotilla operation were deported from Israel and flown to Türkiye.
AFP journalists confirmed that several campaigners arrived at Istanbul International Airport after being released.
It gives me a great pleasure to announce that as a result of our concerted efforts, Mr. Saad Edhi, who was aboard Global Sumud Flotilla, has been released after being illegally detained by Israeli occupation forces. He along with other detained humanitarian workers have safely…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 21, 2026
Separately, reports said at least 430 Global Sumud Flotilla activists were transported via multiple Turkish Airlines flights arranged for repatriation.
French authorities confirmed that 37 French nationals involved in the flotilla were also deported to Türkiye.
France’s Foreign Ministry reportedly expressed anger over the treatment of activists and summoned an Israeli diplomat following a video released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, which showed him taunting detainees.
The incident has further intensified diplomatic tensions between Israel and several European countries.
Background
The Global Sumud Flotilla was organized as a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza.
However, Israeli forces intercepted the vessels before they could reach their destination, detaining activists on board.
Türkiye later stepped in to coordinate repatriation efforts for the detained participants.
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