Israeli forces intercept Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Cyprus, sparking outrage over blockade enforcement amid Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Israeli naval forces have detained Pakistani humanitarian activist Saad Edhi, son of prominent philanthropist Faisal Edhi, along with dozens of international volunteers participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational effort to deliver urgent aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
The interception occurred in international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Monday, according to statements from the Edhi Foundation and flotilla organisers. Contact was reportedly lost with multiple vessels, with at least 10 boats intercepted as Israeli commandos boarded the ships.
From Relief to Raid: Aid Convoy Faces Military Response:
The flotilla, carrying more than 500 activists from several countries along with medical supplies, food, baby formula, and other relief materials, departed from Marmaris, Türkiye, last week. Organisers described the mission as a peaceful effort to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza and highlight the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave, where access to essential goods remains severely restricted.
Saad Edhi, a trustee of the Edhi Foundation-Pakistan’s largest welfare organisation founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi-had been actively involved in procuring and loading aid supplies in Turkey. In a video message released shortly before the interception, he and other participants expressed their determination to reach Gaza.
Faisal Edhi, chairman of the Edhi Foundation, condemned the action in a public statement, appealing to the Pakistani government and foreign ministry to intervene for the immediate release of his son and the other detainees.
“These are humanitarian workers, not combatants,” Faisal Edhi said, according to reports. He alleged that Israeli forces boarded the vessels and took the activists into custody.
Israel defends blockade:
Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza for years, citing security concerns over the possible smuggling of weapons to armed groups. The Israeli foreign ministry stated prior to the incident that it would not allow any breach of the blockade.
Previous attempts by aid flotillas have ended in similar interceptions, sometimes resulting in violence and arrests. Rights groups have repeatedly criticised such actions as violations of international maritime law and collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population.
No immediate details were available on the condition of the detainees or their planned destination following the raid. In past incidents, intercepted activists were often deported after questioning.
Saad Edhi Detained in Gaza Aid Flotilla Raid:
The detention of Saad Edhi, whose family name is synonymous with humanitarian work across Pakistan and beyond, has drawn swift attention in Pakistan and among pro-Palestinian groups worldwide. Pakistani officials have been urged to take up the matter diplomatically.
The incident comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where repeated conflicts have led to widespread destruction, displacement, and shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
Flotilla organisers vowed to continue their efforts, calling on global civil society to support future missions and press for an end to the blockade.