KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to secure the release of Malaysian activists detained by Israel during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission are ongoing, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said that his ministry was coordinating closely with several countries and Asean partners in the effort.
He said operations were slightly delayed due to the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, during which court proceedings were halted and embassy offices in Israel remained closed.
“Because of Yom Kippur, their (the detained Malaysian citizens’) hearing was slightly delayed, and the embassies were all closed, so it was difficult for us to communicate.
"But our Asean friends who have embassies there are managing this well,” Mohamad said at a press conference at the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre in Sepang on Saturday (Oct 4).
He added that countries such as Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar have also extended assistance in facilitating communication and coordination.
Mohamad said Malaysia’s diplomatic missions in neighbouring countries were on standby should the detained Malaysians be released through various possible exit routes.
“We are ready. If they exit through Jordan’s King Hussein Gate, our embassy in Amman is prepared. Our mission has been in daily contact with the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, following developments closely.
“We are also on standby in Turkiye, Cairo, Istanbul and Algeria - all our missions are on alert to provide whatever assistance is needed once the Malaysians are released,” he said.
He said Malaysia was prepared for different scenarios, including the possibility of the detainees being sent back via Turkiye, Jordan or Cyprus.
“It depends on the Israeli authorities - they will decide the route of deportation.
"If it’s easier for them to return via Turkiye, then we will coordinate accordingly. Turkiye already has an aircraft ready to bring them to Istanbul, and from there, we will handle their return to Kuala Lumpur.
“But I’ve advised that they travel back using commercial flights instead of military aircraft,” he added.
Mohamad said the process of repatriation would depend on negotiations between Israel and the respective countries whose citizens were detained.
“It is up to Israel, Turkiye and Jordan to negotiate. If Turkiye can convince Israel to release Malaysians together with their citizens, they will be flown to Istanbul.
"If Jordan succeeds, they will go to Amman. From there, we will arrange their return home,” he said.
He added that due to Yom Kippur, communication channels had been limited, but Malaysian officials maintained contact through intermediaries.
“There are no direct communications with Israel because we do not have diplomatic relations with them. All communication is through third parties,” Mohamad said.
He said a legal team is currently advising all detainees, including Malaysians, to remain calm and cooperative throughout the process.
“The legal team there is advising everyone, not just Malaysians, to follow the standard operating procedures shared with them before they departed Malaysia.
"If they are asked to sign deportation papers, they should do so peacefully and avoid any form of provocation, even in the presence of IDF soldiers.
“This time, unlike before, there has been no use of force by Israeli soldiers - only attempts at intimidation.
"God willing, all Malaysians and other Global Sumud Flotilla participants are safe,” he said, adding that the release process could take up to 72 hours.
Mohamad also revealed that he had reached out to the United States for assistance in ensuring the welfare of Malaysians detained in Israel.
“I met the US Deputy Secretary of State (Christopher Landau) in New York recently, and during my transit in Dubai, I sent him a WhatsApp message.
"He replied that he had instructed the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to assist Malaysians with whatever support they need,” he said.
