Istanbul: All 23 Malaysians who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission have safely arrived in Istanbul, Turkiye after being released by Israeli authorities earlier today, as reported by the Foreign Ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the group departed from Eilat, Israel on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921 at 1.40 pm local time and landed in Istanbul at 3.40 pm local time. The Ministry confirmed that all Malaysians are safe and healthy. They will stay in Istanbul for medical and health assessments before returning to Malaysia on either October 5 or 6.

The Ministry expressed its deepest appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and efforts in securing the swift release of the detained Malaysians. Gratitude was also extended to the Government of Turkiye for its crucial facilitation and support, along with the Governments of Jordan, Egypt, the United States, and ASEAN countries with a presence in Tel Aviv for their assistance in ensuring the safe return of the citizens.

The Ministry acknowledged the efforts of the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) and the Sumud Nusantara team, emphasizing their determination and spirit in highlighting Malaysia’s solidarity with the people of Palestine. Although the flotilla did not reach Gaza, the mission succeeded in raising international awareness about the illegal blockade by the Israeli Zionist regime.

The participation in the mission reaffirmed Malaysians’ commitment to the Palestinian cause and their opposition to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and destruction in Gaza. Malaysia pledged to continue working with its partners to ensure humanitarian efforts are protected and to strengthen global solidarity for Palestine.