Saad Edhi among more than 100 detained as Israel opens fire on Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
TEL AVIV – Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid toward Gaza, has been intercepted in Mediterranean amid rising tensions, and Saad Edhi, son of Edhi Foundation chairman Faisal Edhi, was among the volunteers on board, who sent urgent messages before contact was lost. Reports say more than 100 people were detained, turning the mission into a sudden maritime crisis. It was Israeli forces who opened fire on Global Sumud Flotilla in a dramatic escalation at sea, as the humanitarian convoy headed toward Gaza carrying hundreds of international aid workers. Saad Edhi, a Pakistani citizen, has been intercepted. The Government of Pakistan must take immediate and necessary action to secure his safe release. His only aim was to deliver humanitarian aid along with 500 other participants from 45 different countries. They have been… pic.twitter.com/e5smjFmTGp — Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) May 18, 2026 The operation allegedly resulted in the detention of more than 100 volunteers, including Saad Edhi, triggering urgent diplomatic concern in Pakistan. Saad shared on social media that the mission was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea during its journey and claimed that one of the vessels came under fire. He said that Israeli forces had carried out mass arrests of volunteers on board, describing the situation as rapidly deteriorating. He also warned that the situation onboard was critical, stating, “This may be our last update,” as communication and coordination reportedly broke down during the interception. Soon after, the Edhi Foundation confirmed that contact with Saad Edhi had been lost, deepening fears about the safety of those on the mission. Faisal Edhi, head of the Edhi Foundation, immediately reached out to senior Pakistani authorities, urging swift diplomatic intervention and all possible measures to secure the safe return of all detained participants. From helicopter assaults over the Mediterranean to modern-era drone strikes and mass