EXCLUSIVE: Saad Edhi recounts experience following release from Israeli detention

Saad Edhi, recently released from Israeli detention after being held alongside other Freedom Flotilla activists, has detailed his experience in an interview with Dialogue Pakistan.

He said public sentiment in Pakistan, particularly among Muslims, remains deeply emotional regarding the Palestinian cause, which he described as carrying strong moral significance.

He added that he participated in the flotilla after learning about the humanitarian mission, which included individuals from various countries and backgrounds.

Edhi stated that he applied independently after consulting his family. Although his father also expressed interest in joining, family and professional commitments meant only one of them proceeded.

He confirmed that he was accepted for participation via Spain after completing the application process, which took around two to three months, followed by approximately 15–20 days of preparation.

He said participants underwent training and arranged medical and humanitarian supplies before departing from Spain, travelling through Italy and Greece, and eventually reaching Turkey, where he was scheduled to join the mission.

According to him, the flotilla was intended to converge in Turkey before sailing towards Gaza. However, he claimed that approximately 18 to 20 vessels were intercepted in international waters.

Edhi said the first interception occurred in front of his vessel, shortly after he recorded and uploaded a video of the incident. He alleged that armed personnel later boarded their boat and ordered passengers to assemble on deck with their hands raised.

He stated that passengers were searched for over an hour before being transferred to a prison ship. He further alleged that during transit, detainees were subjected to physical mistreatment, including being forced to kneel and being kicked and punched.

He claimed that further assaults occurred during subsequent transfers, including inside a container facility on the prison vessel, where he said multiple individuals were physically attacked.

Edhi added that detainees were later grouped into holding areas, with around 180 people reportedly confined in three containers. He also said the group observed a four-day hunger strike during detention.

Upon arrival at a port in Israel, he alleged detainees were made to kneel for several hours while the Israeli national anthem was played. He further claimed they were processed individually, handcuffed, and subjected to additional mistreatment.

He said they were later transferred to a detention facility where strict procedures were repeated, including prolonged periods of kneeling and alleged use of force. He also stated that rubber bullets were fired and detainees were required to change into prison uniforms.

Edhi further reported overcrowded cell conditions, limited access to water and sanitation, and repeated transfers between holding areas.

He said a detention hearing was held inside the facility, during which detainees agreed to deportation but challenged the legality of their detention, describing it as an abduction from international waters. He added that the court did not address these claims.

He also stated that detainees from multiple nationalities, including British, Irish, and Omani citizens, were held together under restricted conditions.

Edhi claimed that tight handcuffing during transfers caused lasting discomfort even after release.

He said detainees were eventually transported to an airport where Turkish-arranged aircraft were used for deportation. He added that some detainees raised slogans in support of Palestine before departure.

Criticising the treatment, Edhi said the conditions were excessively harsh and disproportionate, adding that even convicted criminals are not treated in such a manner.

He concluded by reaffirming that the mission was a peaceful humanitarian effort aimed at breaking what activists describe as an illegal blockade of Gaza and delivering aid, adding that he would participate again if given the opportunity.