All 428 humanitarian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0, including 29 Malaysians who were detained by Israeli forces in international waters, have been released, with the Malaysian contingent expected to return home on Sunday, 24 May.
Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had informed the centre that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had dispatched three Turkish Airlines aircraft to Ramon Airport in Israeli territory.
The 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 8pm Malaysian time,” Sani Araby said. “The flight is expected to arrive at 10pm Malaysian time and will be received by the Malaysian Embassy in Türkiye, Wisma Putra, as well as the Turkish government.”
He was speaking at a press conference on the latest developments of the GSF 2.0 mission on Thursday, 21 May.
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.
The Malaysian activists were expected to fly home on Saturday, 23 May and arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 24 May.
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.
Source: The Star
