To move forward or retreat, decision looms for 10 GSF 2.0 activists

WorldPolitics
4 May 2026 • 12:36 PM MYT
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To move forward or retreat, decision looms for 10 GSF 2.0 activists

TEN Malaysian activists recently released from detention in Israel have been given until today to decide whether to continue participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF 2.0) humanitarian mission or withdraw, amid ongoing recovery from injuries and uncertainty over renewed maritime operations.

The update was confirmed by Sumud Nusantara chef de mission Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, who said some of the Malaysian activists were injured while being held by Israeli forces.

“Yes, there are those who were injured due to being beaten by the Zionist regime. Alhamdulillah, they have already received treatment and are in a condition where they can resume the mission,” he said.

“However, we are giving them the right to decide whether to continue or otherwise. This is because they have just gone through a difficult situation, their ship was intercepted by Israel and various other experiences.”

He said discussions were ongoing to determine the final direction of the Malaysian delegation.

“So, at this time, discussions are being held to finalise their direction,” he added.

The development follows the confirmation on Friday that 175 humanitarian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla were released, including 10 Malaysians, after their vessels were intercepted and detained by Israeli forces.

According to the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), the Turkish government arranged a 160-seat aircraft to repatriate the released activists.

Muhammad Nadir said that if Malaysian participants choose to continue the mission, they are expected to join international activists who are preparing to set sail in the coming days.

“At this time, the weather is not favourable and we are waiting at least until Monday or Tuesday to sail due to storm conditions,” he said.

He added that the latest flotilla effort would involve around 15 vessels departing from Marmaris Port in Turkey as part of renewed attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of a wider international civil society movement seeking to challenge the blockade on Gaza through maritime humanitarian missions, often facing interception in contested waters.

Muhammad Nadir also shared footage showing Malaysian delegates arriving at Istanbul International Airport alongside activists from other countries, where they were met with public support and emotional scenes of solidarity.

Among those seen were Malaysian humanitarian figures including Zainal Rashid Ahmad of ZRA Stream, medical doctor Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin, and Cinta Syria Malaysia chief executive Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, who were seen smiling and expressing readiness to continue the mission despite recent detention experiences. - May 4, 2026