Twenty-three Malaysian volunteers detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza returned to an emotional welcome at KLIA Terminal 1 tonight.
The group departed from Istanbul International Airport at 11.20pm local time on Monday and transited in Dubai before continuing their journey to Malaysia, reported Bernama.
They were welcomed by foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, representatives of the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), NGOs and hundreds of Palestine supporters who chanted “Free Free Palestine” and “Allahuakbar” while waving Palestinian flags.
Family members and fellow activists embraced one another amid tears and prayers of gratitude, marking the end of an anxious ordeal following the volunteers’ detention by Israeli forces.
The flotilla’s vessels were intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea on Oct 2 and they were later taken to the port of Ashdod, Israel.
Five human rights lawyers also returned with the group.
On Oct 2, Israeli forces intercepted all 42 GSF vessels and detained 495 activists who were later released in stages beginning Oct 4.
The release process involved close international coordination between Malaysian officials and their counterparts from the US, Turkey, Qatar and Jordan.
After being flown out of Israel last Saturday on a commercial Turkish Airlines flight arranged and fully sponsored by the Turkish government, all Malaysian volunteers underwent medical check-ups in Istanbul before returning home.
Besides the Malaysian volunteers, other GSF participants who have been released include environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Turkish journalist Ersin Celik, European Parliament member Rima Hassan, and several other activists from various countries.
Nearly 140 GSF participants are still being detained, including 13 Brazilian nationals.
The GSF mission, which involved activists from 44 countries, sailed toward Gaza as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break Israel’s blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by the ongoing attacks by Israel.
All Malaysian volunteers are expected to join Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and members of the Cabinet at a Gaza solidarity rally at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil at 8pm tomorrow.
