TEN Malaysian delegates from the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC), detained near the Greek island of Crete, have been released at the port of Lerapetra, Crete.
The delegates were part of a larger group of humanitarian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza, in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed their release and provided an update on their situation.
He noted that the next steps for the ten Malaysian activists depend on their health and the consensus reached between SNCC and GSF.
It remains to be seen whether they will resume their mission or return home, Bernama reported on Friday.
Dr Sani Araby urged Malaysians and the international community to keep up the pressure and continue demanding the release of two key GSF activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila, who are still in Israeli custody.
He also called for ongoing public support for Gaza and Palestine, encouraging Malaysians to raise their voices in solidarity through special prayers and to intensify the dissemination of verified information and advocacy efforts.
The detained group, which included 175 activists, was initially held in international waters before being transferred to the Greek authorities.
In a separate development, the Turkish government offered a 160-seat aircraft to repatriate 20 of its own citizens, and additionally extended seats to GSF activists seeking to return.
The flight is scheduled to depart from Heraklion Airport at 10:15pm local time and is expected to arrive in Istanbul at 11:45pm Malaysian time on Saturday.
Dr Sani confirmed that the ten Malaysian activists will take up the Turkish government's offer and will board the flight to Istanbul.
In his statement, he also expressed concern over the mistreatment faced by the activists during their detention.
They reported physical provocation and violent incidents resulting in injuries, as well as being subjected to uncomfortable conditions.
Meanwhile, SNCC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage the return process. Three SNCC representatives are already in Istanbul to coordinate logistics and assess the situation.
As the GSF mission to support Gaza persists, SNCC maintains its call for global mobilisation and solidarity, urging continued pressure on international authorities and advocating for a free Gaza. - May 2, 2026
