GSF: Malaysia Getting Help From Several Countries To Secure Activists’ Release – Mohamad

SEPANG, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has received assistance from several countries, including ASEAN member states, in efforts to secure the release of its citizens detained by Israel while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said the government is activating various diplomatic channels through international partners that have embassies in Israel, including the United States, Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt, to ensure the safety and release of the Malaysians in detention.

“We had anticipated such a situation, so discussions were already held with our friends, especially from ASEAN.

“Since Malaysia does not have an embassy in Israel, we have requested friendly countries to extend consular assistance to our detained citizens,” he said at a press conference after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) here today.

Mohamad said Jordan and Türkiye have given assurances to assist in the repatriation process once the Malaysians are released.

He said the United States, through its Deputy Secretary of State, has also expressed commitment to assist via its embassy in Tel Aviv and is prepared to provide any necessary support to Malaysians.

All Malaysian diplomatic missions in Jordan, Türkiye, Cairo and Algeria are now on standby to offer assistance and logistical support should the Malaysians be released through any border point, he said.

“We do not know which route the detainees will be released through, as this depends on the Israeli Zionist regime,” he said.

Mohamad also said communication between the legal team representing GSF and the activists could not be established at the moment because Israel is observing the Yom Kippur holiday, during which all government and diplomatic offices are closed.

He said the situation has temporarily delayed diplomatic efforts and negotiations to bring home the GSF activists.

“Don’t worry, the government is monitoring their situation by the second… We hope that by Monday, when offices reopen, we’ll be able to re-establish contact. But our communication through intermediary countries remains in very good order,” he said.

More than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, participated in the mission as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break the Israeli blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by the ongoing attacks by the Zionist regime.

The GSF vessels were sailing towards Gaza when they were intercepted by Israeli forces.

The Foreign Ministry earlier confirmed that all 23 Malaysians in the GSF have been detained and will be repatriated through a third country.

-- BERNAMA