Twenty-three Malaysian activists with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) currently detained by Israeli authorities are expected to be flown home from Ashdod within 48 hours, said Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim, Director-General of the Sumud Nusantara Control Centre (SNCC).
Speaking at a Friday night press conference at the Mapim Central Warehouse in Sepang, Sani said the timeline follows continued efforts by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the mission’s patron, together with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“With the Prime Minister’s direct role and Türkiye’s involvement, we expect the phase to bring home the Malaysian delegation from Ashdod to take place within the next 48 hours, insya-Allah,” he said.
He added that the Prime Minister had contacted SNCC since early Friday to convey positive outcomes from international negotiations.
“The Prime Minister not only gave maximum commitment but also repeatedly contacted President Erdogan, the President of Egypt and the US Secretary to ensure this evacuation proceeds smoothly. We may receive them home soon, possibly via Ankara or Istanbul,” he said.
Sani said Malaysia and Türkiye could be among the first countries to extract their nationals from detention. “Our efforts will not stop with Malaysia and Türkiye. We will strive to help other detained country groups as well,” he added, while expressing gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, for his concern over the delegation’s safety.
About The Author
