Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's strong diplomatic ties with friendly nations could play a crucial role in facilitating the release of 10 Malaysians detained after vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the Prime Minister's international relationships to not only support their humanitarian mission but also ensure the detainees' safe return.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zahid made these remarks after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange between MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd and its strategic partners. He highlighted the role of the Foreign Ministry in assisting the detained members of the Malaysian delegation. Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed hope for the GSF 2.0 mission to receive protection and be completed safely.

The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) confirmed that six out of 22 vessels intercepted by Israeli forces involved 10 Malaysians. SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby identified those involved as Zainal Rashid Ahmad on the Arkham III; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin on Eros 1; and Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, and Norhelmi Ab Ghani on Bianca BCN. Mohd Redzal Amzah on Freia, Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi on Marea, and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa on Esplai were also part of the group.

The GSF 2.0 mission represents an international coalition from various countries, combining maritime efforts with global mobilization on land. It includes legal advocacy and solidarity campaigns aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.