MALAYSIAN nationals who were recently released from Israeli detention following their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza will receive comprehensive medical and psychological support upon arrival in Istanbul, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed.
In a statement issued late last night, Anwar said government agencies, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stationed in Istanbul, would oversee the repatriation process and ensure the well-being of the humanitarian volunteers.
“They will undergo health screenings and be given full support, including psychological care, as soon as they arrive in Istanbul,” said the Prime Minister.
“The government’s machinery, coordinated by the Foreign Ministry in Istanbul, will ensure the return journey of our Malaysian sons and daughters proceeds smoothly and safely in the coming days. May all arrangements be eased and protected by Allah SWT. Alhamdulillah!”
The volunteers were flown out of Ramon Airport in Israel aboard a special Turkish government flight, TK6921, after being released from Israeli custody.
They had been detained while taking part in the GSF humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza. The group arrived in Istanbul late last night and is expected to return to Malaysia on Monday or Tuesday.
Earlier, the Foreign Ministry has extended its highest appreciation to all governments involved in securing the release of 23 Malaysian activists detained by Israeli forces during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) en route to Gaza.
In an official statement, Wisma Putra conveyed specific gratitude to ASEAN countries with embassies in Tel Aviv for their critical assistance in ensuring the safety of Malaysian citizens.
“Malaysia is also thankful to the Government of Türkiye for its key role and steadfast support, as well as to the governments of Jordan, Egypt, the United States, and ASEAN member states with representation in Tel Aviv for their contributions in safeguarding our people,” the statement read.
The ministry also acknowledged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his decisive leadership and consistent efforts in securing the activists’ release. Recognition was also given to the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) and the Sumud Nusantara delegation for their dedication and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
While the flotilla did not succeed in reaching Gaza, the ministry stated that the mission succeeded in raising international awareness about the “illegal blockade imposed by the Zionist regime.”
“The participation of Malaysian citizens in this mission reinforces the nation’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian struggle, and in opposing the cruelty, famine, humanitarian catastrophe, and destruction currently unfolding in Gaza,” it said.
The ministry reiterated that Malaysia would continue working closely with international partners to protect humanitarian efforts and strengthen global solidarity for Palestine.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also thanked the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for facilitating the repatriation process.
“President Erdogan gave his full commitment in resolving the matter, including granting use of Istanbul International Airport to bring our citizens out of Israel before returning home,” Zahid told reporters during an event at Universiti Putra Malaysia.
“We appreciate the efforts made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who appealed to Türkiye for assistance.”
According to Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, Director-General of the Sumud Nusantara Coordinating Centre (SNCC), the Malaysian delegation safely arrived at Istanbul International Airport at 8.40pm Malaysia time. They had departed Ramon Airport in Israel at 6.40pm aboard a commercial Turkish Airlines flight arranged and fully sponsored by the Turkish government.
Commenting on the current peace proposal for Gaza, Zahid noted that while Hamas had accepted part of the 20-point plan, many details remained biased and required revision.
“What matters is not only the recognition and establishment of a Palestinian state but also the full restoration of rights to the Palestinian people,” he said.
“Palestine must be governed by its own people—not by any external party or individual—through an administrative structure led by Palestinians.”
The proposed peace deal, initially reported to have been tabled by US President Donald Trump, includes the release of all Israeli captives within 72 hours of adoption, in exchange for the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, alongside terms for disarmament, cessation of hostilities, and the gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza to allow administration by a technocratic authority. - October 5, 2025
