THE Malaysian Consulate General in Istanbul expects that 23 national volunteers who were detained by Israeli authorities during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission will be able to return home as early as today.
“All are in good health. We’re trying our best to finalise the necessary arrangements for them to fly back as soon as possible. If not today, hopefully tomorrow (Monday),” said Consul General Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, speaking to Berita Harian.
The group was freed and flown to Istanbul on Saturday, following intense diplomatic efforts. They had been held at Ketziot Prison in Israel’s Negev desert after being arrested last Thursday for their participation in the civilian-led flotilla, which aimed to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
The volunteers were transported from Eilat, Israel, on Turkish Airlines flight TK6921, departing at 1.40pm and arriving in Istanbul at 3.40pm local time.
Among the detained were several well-known figures, including singer and activist Nur Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah Helmi, entrepreneur and influencer Norfarahin Romli (also known as Farah Lee), singer Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil (Zizi Kirana), preacher Rahmat Ikhsan Mohd Sofyan (PU Rahmat), and actress Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin (Ardell Aryana).
Ahmad Amiri confirmed that all the Malaysians had retained their passports, despite earlier concerns of possible document seizures. “They all still have their passports. If not, we would have resolved it,” he said.
While physically well, the volunteers arrived in Istanbul exhausted and hungry, with many still dressed in Israeli-issued prison clothing. “They were starving—there was no food given during detention. They only drank toilet water,” he revealed.
Upon arrival at their hotel, the volunteers were served a traditional Malay meal of white rice, turmeric fried chicken, sambal belacan and fruit rojak. “Almost everyone was hungry when they arrived. We made sure they were served proper Malaysian food,” Ahmad Amiri added.
The consulate also opened its offices on Sunday to allow the volunteers to reconnect with their families and access basic communication facilities. “We’ve provided lunch at the office and allowed them to use our computers to contact their families. Yesterday, we took them out to buy necessities,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier confirmed the release of all 23 Malaysian volunteers and their safe arrival in Turkiye. Their release was the result of coordinated international diplomacy involving several nations, including Turkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and the United States. - October 6, 2025
