SEPANG: Members of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission detained by Israeli forces were reportedly forced to kneel with their hands tied using plastic zip ties for about five hours after some of them chanted “Free Palestine”.
Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim (pic) said the detainees were also denied access to water, toilets, medicines and the right to meet their lawyers.
"The GSF legal team, together with human rights organisations such as Aadalah in Israel, have made contact with 20 of the 23 detained Malaysian activists, while arrangements for the remaining three are being made," he said at a press conference here on Saturday (Oct 4).
He said all the activists have been advised to sign a “Request for Immediate Departure” form to facilitate their release from Israeli detention.
Sani Araby also confirmed that the humanitarian aid items carried by the GSF - including rice, infant formula, clean water and medicines - remain on board the vessels intercepted by Israeli forces.
According to him, the SNCC and the government are now on standby to bring home all 23 members of the Malaysian delegation as soon as they receive clearance from the Turkish government, which was serving as the main intermediary in diplomatic negotiations with Israel.
"SNCC urges Malaysians to continue supporting the flotilla delegation and to perform special prayers (solat hajat) and Qunut Nazilah so that a humanitarian corridor to Gaza can be opened," he said.
The GSF mission, joined by more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, sailed towards Gaza as a symbol of solidarity and an effort to break the Israeli blockade, carrying essential supplies for Palestinians affected by the ongoing attacks of the Zionist regime. – Bernama
