Wisma Putra : 23 Malaysians Detained In Gaza-Bound Flotilla Safe, To Be Deported

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry has received information that all 23 Malaysians detained by Israel during their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) on Thursday are safe and in good health and will be deported to third countries.

In a statement, the ministry, widely known as Wisma Putra, said it will ensure that they will be provided with necessary consular support and assistance for their safe return to Malaysia.

The Malaysian government is making every effort to ensure the safety and immediate release of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) participants, in particular 15 Malaysians detained by Israel.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan have been in contact with the leaders and counterparts of a number of our partners, including the United States, to seek cooperation of their good offices in this regard,” the statement read.

Wisma Putra said it has issued a directive to Malaysia’s relevant Missions in the region, including its Embassies in Amman and Cairo, to seek cooperation of the Embassies of ASEAN countries in Tel Aviv.

“The Government of Malaysia will continue to safeguard the safety of Malaysians abroad. The detention of the GSF participants is unlawful and insists that those detained should be treated in accordance with international law and released without delay,” it said.

As of 3.39 pm Thursday, 15 Malaysian volunteers participating in the humanitarian mission have been detained by Israeli forces.

The GSF mission, comprising more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, is sailing towards Gaza as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break Israel’s blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by ongoing Zionist attacks.

-- BERNAMA