The 23 Malaysians detained by Israeli defence forces while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza are on their way home, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Providing the latest updates in a Facebook live broadcast this afternoon, Anwar said the group was heading to Ramon Airport in southern Israel, where they will board a special flight to Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
“With coordination from our officials in Ankara, together with our ambassador and the Malaysian embassy there, it is better for them to stay in Istanbul for about a day or a day-and-a-half for health checks and to recover from the trauma and harsh treatment by the Israeli regime before returning home,” he said.
“I expect them to depart for home possibly tomorrow night (Sunday) or the day after. That is what we are arranging.”
Anwar said the breakthrough for the volunteers’ release came after extensive diplomatic negotiations involving foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, US president Donald Trump‘s special envoy Steve Witkoff, US secretary of state Mike Rubio, as well as Qatari and Turkish officials.
There was also full cooperation from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in handling the matter, he said.
He said the GSF mission, despite its challenges, had achieved its goal of raising global awareness about the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
“It is not easy to reach Gaza under Israeli occupation, but the flotilla had made a significant contribution by showing the world that Israel not only targets what it calls militant groups, but also harshly restricts and punishes humanitarian aid,” he said.
The GSF mission involved more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, sailing towards Gaza to deliver essential supplies and show solidarity with Palestinians affected by ongoing Israeli attacks.
Almost all the GSF vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces, and their passengers were taken to a port in Israel before arrangements for their release were finalised.
