Saad Edhi returns home after release from Israeli custody

Saad Edhi has returned home after being released from Israeli custody, where he claims he and other members of an aid convoy faced detention, violence and harsh conditions during their mission near Gaza.

Speaking after his return, Saad Edhi said the humanitarian journey began on 14 May and that the convoy was intercepted nearly 200 nautical miles away from Gaza. He alleged that Israeli forces detained the group while they were travelling as part of a humanitarian mission.

According to Edhi, two nights were spent aboard a naval vessel under difficult conditions. He claimed that 35 individuals were injured during the operation, while 15 people were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse. These claims have not been independently verified.

He further stated that members of the convoy were provided only bread and water during their detention. The convoy reportedly consisted of around 180 individuals carrying humanitarian aid supplies.

Saad Edhi also alleged that he was physically assaulted during custody. He said that after three days the detainees were transferred to Israel, where they allegedly continued to face mistreatment and abuse.

“We were locked inside prison cells and had no idea when we would be released,” he said, adding that he later went on a hunger strike and survived only on water in protest against the conditions.

Edhi stated that detainees were initially denied contact with anyone from outside before eventually being transferred to the airport ahead of their release. He further alleged that the humanitarian aid supplies carried by the convoy were destroyed and that the group was treated as maritime prisoners of war.