KARACHI (Dunya News) - Saad Edhi, a participant in the Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla aid mission, has returned to Pakistan after being released from Israeli custody.
He arrived at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, where supporters welcomed him following his return. Saad Edhi represented Pakistan in the international humanitarian convoy aimed at delivering aid and expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza.
According to reports, Israeli forces intercepted the aid convoy during the mission and detained several participants from different countries, including Pakistani nationals.
Saad Edhi is the son of Faisal Edhi, head of the Edhi Foundation. Supporters gathered at the airport and chanted slogans in support of Palestine during his arrival.
Speaking to the media, Saad Edhi said the group remained in detention for 48 hours after being stopped approximately 200 nautical miles from Gaza. He said the mission had begun on May 14 and that participants spent two nights aboard the vessel after being detained.
He claimed that around 180 people were part of the convoy and alleged that dozens of participants were injured during the incident.
Saad Edhi further alleged that he was subjected to mistreatment and that detainees faced harsh conditions after being transferred to Israel.
He said the group was held in detention facilities and remained uncertain about when they would be released. According to him, he also undertook a hunger strike during his detention before eventually being transferred to an airport and allowed to leave.
The claims regarding treatment in detention were made by Saad Edhi and have not been independently verified.