Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that 23 Malaysians detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza are on their way back to Malaysia.
In a Facebook Live broadcast this afternoon, Anwar shared that the group is en route to Ramon Airport in southern Israel, where they will board a special flight to Istanbul, Turkey, before continuing to Kuala Lumpur.
To ensure their well-being, Anwar noted that the volunteers will remain in Istanbul for approximately one to one-and-a-half days for medical check-ups and to recover from the ordeal of their detention. “With coordination from our officials in Ankara, alongside our ambassador and the Malaysian embassy, we want to ensure they receive proper care to address the trauma and harsh treatment they endured under the Israeli regime,” he said.
The Prime Minister indicated that the group is expected to depart Istanbul for Malaysia either tomorrow night (Sunday) or the following day, with final arrangements underway.
Diplomatic Efforts Secure Release
The release of the Malaysian volunteers followed intensive diplomatic negotiations, Anwar revealed. Key figures involved included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Mike Rubio, and officials from Qatar and Turkey. Anwar also highlighted the full cooperation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which played a crucial role in resolving the situation.
Global Sumud Flotilla’s Impact
The GSF mission, comprising over 500 activists from 44 countries including Malaysia, aimed to deliver essential supplies and express solidarity with Palestinians facing ongoing Israeli attacks. Despite its interception by Israeli forces, who detained the activists at an Israeli port, Anwar praised the mission for achieving its broader objective: raising global awareness about the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
“It’s no small feat to reach Gaza under Israeli occupation,” Anwar said. “The flotilla has shone a spotlight on how Israel not only targets what it labels as militant groups but also imposes severe restrictions and penalties on humanitarian aid efforts.”
