PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says that all 15 Malaysians detained by Israel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) are safe and sound and will be repatriated via a third country.
In a statement on Thursday (Oct 2), Wisma Putra said it would ensure that those detained were given consular support and proper assistance to ensure their safe return to Malaysia.
The Malaysian government was taking action to ensure safety and the immediate release of GSF participants, particularly the 15 Malaysians detained by Israel.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan have contacted several leaders and counterparts of friendly countries, including the United States, to seek their cooperation in this matter,” according to the statement.
Wisma Putra said it has issued instructions to Malaysian Representations in the region, including the Malaysian Embassies in Amman and Cairo, to seek the cooperation of Asean countries’ Embassies in Tel Aviv.
“The Malaysian government will continue to be committed to safeguarding the safety of Malaysians abroad. The detention of GSF participants is illegal, and demands that they be treated in accordance with international law and released immediately,” he said.
As of 3.39pm Thursday, a total of 15 Malaysian volunteers who participated in the humanitarian mission were detained by Israeli forces.
The GSF mission, accompanied by more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, sailed to Gaza as a symbol of solidarity and efforts to break the Israeli blockade by bringing essential supplies to the Palestinian population affected by the ongoing Zionist attacks. – Bernama
