PM’s International Ties key To Securing Release Of Malaysian GSF Detainees - Zahid
PUTRAJAYA, April 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s strong diplomatic ties with friendly nations could help facilitate efforts to secure the release of 10 Malaysians detained after vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
“Given the Prime Minister’s strong international ties, diplomatic efforts can be undertaken not only to facilitate their humanitarian mission, but also to ensure their release once it concludes,” he told reporters after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange between MyDigital ID Sdn Bhd and its strategic partners here today.
He also said that the Foreign Ministry will assist members of the Malaysian delegation who were detained.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed hope that the GSF 2.0 mission would be granted protection and carried out safely.
“We know this is a challenge they are bound to face, and we hope they will have the resilience and determination to carry out their mission until they reach their destination,” he said.
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) had confirmed that six out of 22 vessels intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while heading to Gaza involved 10 Malaysians.
SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said those involved were Zainal Rashid Ahmad on board the Arkham III; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin (Eros 1); and Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani (Bianca BCN).
He said Mohd Redzal Amzah on board the Freia, Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi (Marea); and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa (Esplai) were also among those involved.
GSF 2.0 brings together an international coalition from around the world, combining maritime efforts with global mobilisation on land, including legal advocacy and solidarity campaigns aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.
-- BERNAMA
