SEPANG, May 24 — After days of uncertainty and emotional tension, 28 Malaysian humanitarian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission to Gaza safely returned home tonight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.
The group arrived aboard Emirates flight EK342 at about 9.30 pm after departing from Istanbul International Airport in Turkiye early yesterday morning. They transited in Dubai before continuing their journey back to Malaysia.
The arrival scene at KLIA was filled with emotion as family members, supporters of Palestine, and well-wishers welcomed the activists with chants of “Free Palestine” and “Allahuakbar” while waving Palestinian flags. Tears, hugs, and prayers marked the reunion between the activists and their loved ones after the difficult humanitarian mission.
Among those present to receive the group were Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and Sik Member of Parliament Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman, together with more than 100 supporters and family members.
The activists were part of the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission aimed at delivering emergency aid to Gaza and challenging the ongoing blockade faced by Palestinians. According to the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC), all 50 ships involved in the mission, carrying 430 humanitarian activists from around the world including 29 Malaysians, were intercepted by Israeli forces near Cyprus waters on May 18.
SNCC director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, who accompanied the returning Malaysians, said the mission lasted 40 days and covered approximately 960 hours of sailing across the Mediterranean Sea.
He described the mission as a historic humanitarian effort that united activists, parliamentarians, doctors, lawyers, media practitioners, and volunteers from 40 countries in support of the Palestinian people.
Sani also revealed that the activists experienced rough treatment and physical abuse during their detention. He stressed that the incident involving Malaysian activist Razman Mat Ali was not an isolated case.
Razman, who suffered a punctured lung after allegedly being assaulted by Israeli soldiers, remains in Istanbul for further treatment. Sani confirmed that Razman had undergone surgery successfully and was now in stable condition.
According to him, Turkish authorities are assisting Razman while representatives from the legal team of the Center for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (CENTHRA) have recorded his statements as part of possible international legal action.
Sani said Razman is expected to return to Malaysia within the next 21 days once doctors approve his travel condition.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said both the federal and state governments remain committed to strengthening international solidarity for Palestine. He added that Malaysia aims to host more international conferences and discussions related to Palestine in the future.
He said the humanitarian struggle must continue until peace and freedom for Gaza are achieved.
The safe return of the activists has drawn nationwide attention and renewed public discussion on Malaysia’s continued support for humanitarian efforts involving Palestine and Gaza.
