KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that all 23 Malaysian activists detained by Israeli authorities while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza have been safely released.
In a live address shared on his official Facebook page today, Anwar said the volunteers are currently being transported to Ramon Airport in Israel, where they will then board a flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
“Alhamdulillah, all 23 Malaysians detained by the Zionist regime have been released. They will soon be taken to Ramon Airport before flying to Istanbul,” Anwar said.
According to the Prime Minister, the group is expected to begin returning home by tomorrow night or the following day, depending on travel arrangements.
The Malaysian participants were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian convoy organised by international activists to deliver aid to the besieged people of Gaza. The flotilla was reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces while sailing in international waters earlier this week.
Their detention sparked strong condemnation from Malaysians and international human rights groups, who demanded the immediate release of the activists. Several local NGOs and political figures also called for diplomatic intervention to ensure their safe return.
Anwar praised the efforts of the Foreign Ministry and Malaysia’s diplomatic partners in securing the release of the activists, stressing that Malaysia remains committed to standing with the Palestinian people.
“Malaysia will never be silent when it comes to oppression. We will continue to support humanitarian efforts for Gaza,” he added.
The safe release of the Malaysians brings relief to families and supporters who had been anxiously awaiting updates on their condition since news of their detention broke.
