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SIX international activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) remain in Israeli detention, while more than 130 others, including 23 Malaysians, have been released following their participation in the humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza.
The Centre for Legal Rights of the Arab Minority in Israel (ADALAH) confirmed on Tuesday that it will be conducting visits to those still held, comprising nationals from Norway, Morocco and Spain.
“More than 130 activists were released via Jordan yesterday. The remaining six detainees – citizens of Norway, Morocco and Spain – remain in custody,” ADALAH said in a statement.
The group has demanded the immediate release of all detainees and is in communication with the relevant authorities.
According to earlier statements by ADALAH, detainees have been denied access to essential medication, including individuals suffering from serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension.
ADALAH also documented “multiple forms of serious abuse” allegedly inflicted upon GSF participants, beginning with the unlawful interception of their flotilla by Israeli forces.
The flotilla had intended to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s longstanding blockade, but was intercepted at sea.
Yesterday, 23 Malaysian GSF volunteers returned safely to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where they were welcomed by thousands during a homecoming ceremony organised by Sumud Nusantara Malaysia.
Despite being prevented from reaching Gaza, organisers described the mission as a success for reigniting global attention on Palestine and breaking the silence surrounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Chief Executive Officer of Cinta Gaza Malaysia, Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, said the mission’s symbolic impact outweighed the inability to breach the blockade.
“Even though we could not ‘break the siege’, we managed to ‘break the silence’. This mission has stirred the conscience of the international community,” he said at a press conference upon arrival at KLIA Terminal 1.
Nadir added that 7 October marked two years since what he described as the start of an ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“They are still under constant attack, still starving, still suffering. The fight is far from over. We must not allow our mission to end here,” he said.
Director-General of the Sumud Nusantara Coordination Centre (SNCC), Datuk Sani Araby Al-Kahery, said the mission would be remembered as a pivotal moment in Malaysian history, despite not reaching Gaza.
“From an initial group of 34, 27 continued the journey and finally 23 Malaysians were detained. But success isn’t measured by numbers. What we brought home was the message of unity – that a united heart can send shockwaves from Malaysia to the world stage,” he said.
He reiterated that the commitment to liberating Palestine would continue regardless of obstacles.
“We do not stop here,” he added. - October 8, 2025