PUTRAJAYA: All 29 Malaysians who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission were released on Friday (May 21) and are now safe in Istanbul, Turkiye, according to the Foreign Ministry.
In a statement issued on Friday (May 22), the ministry said the Malaysians would undergo medical and health assessments before returning to Malaysia.
They are expected to arrive in Malaysia on Sunday (May 24).
"The Government of Malaysia extends its gratitude to the Government of Turkiye for its facilitation and unwavering support throughout the process leading to their release and safe return,” read the statement.
The ministry also commended the commitment shown by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) and the Sumud Nusantara team.
It added that although the humanitarian flotilla was prevented from reaching Gaza, the mission had succeeded in intensifying international condemnation of the illegal blockade imposed by the Israeli Zionist regime against Gaza, Palestine.
The ministry said that Malaysia remains committed to sustaining diplomatic engagement with international partners in upholding humanitarian principles and in advancing global solidarity towards the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine. - Bernama
