SEPANG, May 21 — All 428 humanitarian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0, including 29 Malaysians detained by Israeli forces in international waters, have been released, with the Malaysian group due to return home May 24.

Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the SNCC had been informed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had dispatched three Turkish Airlines aircraft to Ramon Airport, located in Israeli territory.

He said all 428 flotilla activists were being transferred by bus to Ramon Airport, and were expected to travel to Istanbul on three special Turkish government-sponsored flights, TK6919, TK6921 and TK6925.

“The three special Turkish Airlines flights are expected to depart from the Israeli territory at about 8 pm Malaysian time.

“The flight is expected to arrive at 10 pm Malaysian time and will be received by the Malaysian Embassy in Türkiye, Wisma Putra, as well as the Turkish government,” he said at a press conference on the latest developments of the GSF 2.0 mission here today.

Sani Araby said the Malaysian delegation was expected to undergo a thorough medical examination at Türkiye Hospital following reports that some activists had been beaten and sustained injuries.

He said the Malaysian activists were expected to fly home on May 23 (Saturday) and arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on May 24.

He also expressed appreciation for the concern and continued commitment of Anwar, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in securing the release of the 29 Malaysians.

“This includes efforts to strategically mobilise international diplomatic channels for negotiations to ensure the safe return of all 29 Malaysians,” he said.

Sani Araby said the detention of the humanitarian activists had sparked international outrage and condemnation, expressed through official statements and demonstrations.

Countries including Turkiye, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Australia and Portugal, as well as international organisations such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU), condemned the interception and detention of humanitarian flotilla activists in international waters.

“The global response to the incident is not limited to condemnation, but also includes international pressure in the form of potential economic and diplomatic sanctions, legal action, issuance of warrants and diplomatic notes against Israel.

“Due to unexpected and increasingly widespread pressure, the regime, which had initially planned to detain them for a long period at Ketziut prison, was forced to release all activists unconditionally,” Sani Araby said.

Yesterday, SNCC confirmed that all 50 vessels in the GSF 2.0 mission, carrying 428 humanitarian activists from 40 countries, were intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, about 80 nautical miles off the Gaza coast. — Bernama

SEPANG, May 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance and full commitment to lead efforts through bilateral ties to secure the immediate release of Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian activists detained by Israel.

Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the commitment was conveyed by the prime minister to SNCC during a telephone conversation today.

“The prime minister is leading all efforts together with the Malaysian government by leveraging close bilateral relations and has been in close contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to press for the immediate release of all detained activists, ensure their safety and prevent them from being imprisoned at Ketziot Prison,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference on developments involving the GSF 2.0 mission here today, Sani Araby said SNCC was also informed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan that Wisma Putra had intensified diplomatic efforts with Turkiye and several other countries.

He said preparations had also been made involving Malaysian embassy representatives in Istanbul, Amman and Cairo to ensure the safety and release of Malaysians involved in the humanitarian flotilla mission.

Sani Araby said the incident had sparked international outrage and condemnation, including statements and demonstrations in Italy, Turkiye, Spain, France, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Australia and Portugal, as well as by international organisations.

“They also condemned the interception and detention of humanitarian flotilla activists in international waters,” he said.

He said SNCC called on Malaysians to continue strengthening solidarity through special prayers, Qunut Nazilah, national prayer gatherings, as well as sustained diplomatic pressure and advocacy until all humanitarian delegates are released.

Yesterday, SNCC confirmed that all 50 vessels under the GSF 2.0 mission carrying 428 humanitarian activists from 40 countries were intercepted by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in international waters, about 80 nautical miles from the Gaza coast. — Bernama

ASHDOD, May 21 — Israel’s far-right national security minister posted a video yesterday showing detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla kneeling with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground, sparking international condemnation.

The video, shared on X by firebrand minister Itamar Ben Gvir, was published after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla’s vessels at sea and began detaining hundreds of foreign activists at the southern port of Ashdod.

The video drew swift international uproar and Ben Gvir was criticised by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Captioned “Welcome to Israel”, the footage shows dozens of activists forced to kneel with their hands tied and foreheads on the ground. At some points, the Israeli national anthem can be heard playing in the background.

The footage also shows Ben Gvir heckling and waving an Israeli flag among the detained activists.

Ben Gvir drew the ire of Netanyahu, who said the minister’s conduct with the activists was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”, adding that authorities would deport the activists “as soon as possible”.

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounced what he said were the national security minister’s “despicable actions”.

“Universal outrage & condemnation from every high-ranking Israeli official... for despicable actions by Ben Gvir. Flotilla was stupid stunt, but Ben Gvir betrayed dignity of his nation,” Huckabee wrote on X.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib also criticised Ben Gvir, saying on X that “no one should be punished for defending humanity” while Belgium and France summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their capitals over what Paris called his “unacceptable actions”.

Around 50 vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Turkey last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza, after Israeli forces intercepted a previous convoy last month.

Israeli authorities had said 430 activists aboard the flotilla were en route to Israel, while the Adalah rights group said some had already arrived at Ashdod port and were being held there.

‘Disgraceful display’ 

Israel’s foreign minister Saar said Ben Gvir had “knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display — and not for the first time”.

Ben Gvir hit back, saying: “I am proud to be the minister in charge of the organisations that operated today against those supporters of terror.”

“Yes, there will be all sorts of pictures that Gideon Saar does not like, but I think they are a great source of pride,” he added at parliament.

Non-profit legal group Adalah also criticised Israeli authorities over the video.

“Israel is employing a criminal policy of abuse and humiliation against activists seeking to confront Israel’s ongoing crimes against the Palestinian people,” the group, whose lawyers went to the detention centre to meet the detainees, said in a statement.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Poland and Turkey also condemned the incident with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calling the treatment of civilians onboard the flotilla “abominable” and saying the Israeli ambassador would be summoned.

Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said she was “appalled and shocked” by the video and demanded the immediate release of the activists, who include the sister of President Catherine Connolly.

‘Malicious scheme’ 

Netanyahu had earlier denounced the flotilla as “a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza”.

Hamas, which now controls less than half of Gaza and whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 sparked the war in the Palestinian territory, said the footage was evidence of Israeli leaders’ “moral depravity and sadism”.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

During the Gaza war, the territory suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.

A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe.

Two were brought to Israel, detained for several days and then deported. — AFP

TEL AVIV, May 20 — Israeli authorities have said that 430 activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla were en route to Israel, after their vessels were intercepted at sea.

Sailing from Turkey last week, the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels are the latest in a string of attempts by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, with the last convoy intercepted by Israeli forces last month.

“Another PR flotilla has come to an end. All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives,” a spokesman from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said late yesterday.

“This flotilla has once again proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt at the service of Hamas,” the spokesman added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier denounced the flotilla as “a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza”.

The US yesterday sanctioned four people associated with the Global Sumud Flotilla and accused them of being “pro-terrorist”.

Around 50 ships had departed from southwestern Turkey on Thursday.

A website tracking the flotilla’s location later showed several vessels being intercepted west of Cyprus.

Nine Indonesian citizens who were part of the flotilla “have all been reported arrested by Israel,” a spokeswoman for Indonesia’s foreign ministry said, citing information dated today.

Indonesia called on Israel to immediately release all vessels and crew members, adding that “every diplomatic channel and consular measure will continue to be fully utilised”.

Indonesian newspaper Republika earlier said two of its journalists were among the nine Indonesians detained.

Turkey and Spain have condemned the interception.

Organisers said the flotilla also included 15 Irish citizens, including Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

During the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.

A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe. — AFP

PUTRAJAYA, May 20 — The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) has confirmed that all 10 vessels involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission have been intercepted by the Israeli forces as of 8.25pm Malaysian time.

SNCC said the latest intercepted vessel, Alcyone, was carrying two Malaysians, namely Muhammad Hareez Adzrami and Chin Shiau Weai.

“Further developments will be officially announced by SNCC. A press conference will be held tomorrow,” SNCC said in a brief statement last night.

Separately, the GSF said it had received confirmation that hundreds of civilian participants abducted during yesterday’s alleged illegal Israeli naval assault on the high seas were currently being forcibly transported by Israeli forces to a port in occupied Palestine.

“The naval vessel carrying our kidnapped participants, including doctors, journalists and human rights defenders from more than 40 nations, is scheduled to dock within approximately two hours,” it said.

GSF added that the organisation demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all participants, alongside more than 9,000 Palestinian political prisoners, while also calling on world leaders to demand the release of flotilla participants, Palestinian political prisoners and hostages, as well as an end to the genocide and blockade on Gaza.

The organisation also expressed grave and immediate concerns over the physical safety and well-being of those detained following testimonies from the April 29 alleged illegal abduction of GSF participants in international waters, which detailed patterns of torture, severe physical abuse and invasive sexual violence allegedly perpetrated by Israeli forces. — Bernama 

PETALING JAYA, May 20 — Malaysia is demanding for the Israeli Zionist regime to immediately release 25 of its citizens who are members and crew of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) detained off the coast of Cyprus on May 18.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the action runs counter to basic human rights and international law, as the group were not within Israeli waters when they were intercepted by the country’s authority.

“We demand that the Israeli Zionist regime accord them proper treatment and release them immediately as this is against basic human rights and international law.

“They did not intrude… they were (located) far off (the coast of Cyprus). And yet they were intercepted, and there were citizens of many other countries who were also detained by the Israeli Zionist regime,” he said, during a media conference at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang, on Tuesday.

Mohamad said he also would like to thank his counterpart from Türkiye, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and the government of Turkiye for successfully bringing home 10 Malaysia citizens who were detained earlier.

“But now we have more detained.

“We ask for them to be accorded proper treatment and be released immediately,” he said.

Mohamad said for other Malaysians were earlier detained by the Greek authority when their vessel sank while in the process of bringing it back.

Mohamad said three other crew or participants have been released while two more – the captain and first officer — have been detained and tried before being freed by the court.

“They have all returned to Istanbul.

“We would like to again thank my counterpart, Hakan Fidan, and the government of Turkiye,” he said. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Four Malaysians are still continuing their journey towards Gaza even as most vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF 2.0) convoy have been intercepted and detained by Israeli forces.

They are Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, also known as Haroqs, and Chin aboard the vessel Alcyone; Syed Amirul on Don Juan; and Dr Thanisah on Zefiro, according to a report published in Berita Harian today.

Of the 44 ships in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF 2.0), only eight remain active, including Nablus (Alcyone), Beit Hanoun (Zefiro) and Isdud (Don Juan), which carry the four Malaysians.

Five other active GSF vessels are Hawsha (Cabo Blanco), Balad al-Sheik (Girolama), Kasrı Sadabat, Ramle (Sirius) and Akka (Andros).

At present, Nablus is 157.8 nautical miles from Gaza, while Zefiro and Isdud are 162.7 and 158.2 nautical miles away respectively.

According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) tracker, several vessels under its separate mission have already been intercepted, leaving only Lina Al-Nabusi still active.

The GSF 2.0 mission is carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis linked to the prolonged conflict in the region.

So far, 16 Malaysians involved in the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission have been detained by Israeli forces.