Social activist Saad Edhi was released from Israeli custody along with 430 international volunteers after days of uncertainty surrounding the humanitarian mission heading toward Gaza. The development has drawn global attention and sparked fresh debate over humanitarian access to the Palestinian territory.
According to reports, authorities are now preparing to transfer the released volunteers to Istanbul. The group included aid workers, activists, and humanitarian supporters from different countries. They were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to deliver relief supplies to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Meanwhile, rights organizations confirmed that Israeli authorities started deportation procedures for several members of the mission. Adalah, a legal organization representing Palestinians, stated that officials planned to expel the detained aid workers after their release.
Saad Edhi released a statement, and the news quickly spread across social media, with supporters and humanitarian groups welcoming the decision. Many people also praised the volunteers for continuing their relief efforts despite security risks in the region.
The humanitarian mission departed from Marmaris, Türkiye, on May 14. More than 500 volunteers joined the flotilla to transport medical supplies, food, and emergency aid to civilians in Gaza. Organizers described the mission as peaceful and focused entirely on humanitarian assistance.
However, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla during its journey and detained several volunteers, including Saad Edhi. The detention created concern among human rights groups and supporters around the world. Many organizations demanded the immediate release of all humanitarian workers involved in the mission.
Before Israeli forces detained him, Saad Edhi shared an emergency video statement online. In the footage, security operations against the aid convoy appeared clearly visible. The video gained widespread attention and increased international focus on the incident.
Saad Edhi’s updates, and highlighted the Edhi Foundation’s role in humanitarian work. The foundation has long supported relief missions and welfare activities across different regions.
Furthermore, supporters of the flotilla described the mission as a peaceful effort to help civilians facing shortages of food, medicine, and emergency supplies. They also called for safer humanitarian corridors and uninterrupted aid delivery to Gaza.
Saad Edhi, released from custody, now remains one of the most discussed humanitarian developments linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla mission.
