KUALA LUMPUR — Twenty-three Malaysians detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission will be flown out of Israel to Istanbul today on a special flight arranged by Türkiye, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
The group, which includes public figures such as singers Heliza Helmi and Zizi Kirana, was taken into custody on Thursday after Israeli forces intercepted vessels in the Mediterranean and escorted them to Ashdod port.
Anwar said the Malaysians are en route to Ramon Airport in southern Israel and will remain in Istanbul for a day or two for health checks before returning home.
“They have endured trauma and stress resulting from Israel’s harsh and cruel actions,” Anwar said in a Facebook Live broadcast.
“I have agreed that they should stay in Istanbul for medical assessments. They are expected to return home either tomorrow night or the day after.”
Anwar, who is patron of the Sumud Nusantara mission, said the release followed extensive negotiations involving multiple countries.
He cited Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jordanian officials, as well as Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s talks with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The prime minister also held direct talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Türkiye’s National Security Chief Dr Ibrahim Kalin.
“These discussions were not limited to Malaysians and Turks,” Anwar said. “We also raised the cases of activists from Europe, Indonesia, and other nations who joined the flotilla.”
The GSF, involving more than 500 activists from 45 countries, set sail for Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
While the mission was intercepted before reaching Gaza, Anwar said it succeeded in spotlighting the plight of Palestinians.
“The regime strongly prohibits and resists any form of humanitarian aid. This only occurs when a country is led by leaders with a cruel and uncivilised philosophy,” he said. “At the very least, a civilised nation would allow humanitarian assistance.”
He added that the flotilla had raised global awareness of the Palestinian cause, saying its message reached “hundreds of millions” worldwide.
The release of the Malaysians, he stressed, was “the result of sustained diplomatic coordination” and a reminder of international solidarity with Gaza. — October 4, 2025
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