Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has received assistance from several countries, including ASEAN member states, in efforts to secure the release of its citizens detained by Israel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is activating various diplomatic channels through international partners that have embassies in Israel, including the United States, Trkiye, Jordan, and Egypt, to ensure the safety and release of the Malaysians in detention. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan mentioned that Malaysia had anticipated such a situation, and discussions were already held with friendly nations, particularly from ASEAN. As Malaysia lacks an embassy in Israel, it has sought consular assistance from these countries for its detained citizens.
Mohamad stated that Jordan and Trkiye have assured assistance in the repatriation process once the Malaysians are released. The United States, through its Deputy Secretary of State, has also expressed a commitment to assist via its embassy in Tel Aviv and is ready to provide any necessary support. All Malaysian diplomatic missions in Jordan, Trkiye, Cairo, and Algeria are currently on standby to offer assistance and logistical support should the Malaysians be released through any border point.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the uncertainty regarding the route through which the detainees will be released, as this is contingent upon the Israeli authorities. Furthermore, communication between the legal team representing GSF and the activists is currently hindered due to the Yom Kippur holiday in Israel, during which all government and diplomatic offices are closed. This has temporarily delayed diplomatic efforts and negotiations to bring home the GSF activists.
Datuk Seri Mohamad assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and expressed hope that contact would be re-established once offices reopen. He emphasized that communication through intermediary countries remains strong.
The mission involved more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, symbolizing solidarity and an effort to break the Israeli blockade by carrying vital supplies for Palestinians affected by ongoing conflicts. The GSF vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces while en route to Gaza.
The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed that all 23 Malaysians in the GSF have been detained and will be repatriated through a third country.