23 Malaysian Heroes Return Home After Detention in Israel “The Fight Goes On,” Say Global Sumud Flotilla Activists

KUALA LUMPUR, October 7: A wave of emotion swept through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) late Tuesday night as 23 Malaysian activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) finally returned home after being detained by Israeli authorities.

The group, who departed Istanbul on Monday night with a brief stop in Dubai, landed at KLIA around 10 p.m. aboard Emirates flight EK342. Their arrival marked the end of a tense ordeal that began when Israeli naval forces intercepted their humanitarian flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea on October 2.

Hundreds of supporters, families, and media representatives gathered at the KLIA Terminal 1 arrival hall to welcome them home. Among the first to emerge was Ustaz Muhammad Abdullah, also known as Ustaz Mad Kecik, greeted with cheers and tears from the crowd.

The delegation was officially received by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Deputy Minister (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, and Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil.

At a press conference held shortly after their arrival, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and successful diplomatic efforts with Türkiye that led to the group’s release.

“Their courage and commitment reflect Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people,” said the Minister.
“We thank the Prime Minister and all agencies involved for ensuring their safe return.”

Datuk Dr. Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, Director-General of the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), reaffirmed that the mission’s spirit lives on.

“This is not the end. The struggle continues until Palestine is free,” he said, drawing loud applause from those gathered.

The 23 Malaysians were among 450 activists from 47 countries aboard 42 vessels carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza when their ships were seized and redirected to Ashdod Port, Israel. After several days of detention, they were released and deported via Ramon Airport on October 5, before traveling to Istanbul and onward to Kuala Lumpur.

Among the detainees were prominent figures such as singers Heliza Helmi, Zizi Kirana, and influencer Ardell Aryana, along with activists Farah Lee, Danish Nazran, PU Rahmat, and others representing various Malaysian NGOs and humanitarian platforms.

Upon arrival, the group was escorted to waiting buses and taken to hotels for debriefing and rest before a formal appreciation ceremony scheduled later this week.

Their safe return has been widely celebrated across Malaysia, hailed as a moment of national pride and moral solidarity with the people of Palestine.