Anwar Thanks Türkiye for Assisting in Repatriation of Malaysians Detained in Israel

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Turkish government for its crucial role in facilitating the safe repatriation of nine Malaysians who were detained by Israeli authorities after participating in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition Thousand Madleens to Gaza (FFC x TMTG) humanitarian mission.

“Nine more of our heroes and heroines have safely arrived in Istanbul, Türkiye,” Anwar said in a Facebook post on Friday (Oct 10) night.

He added that the Foreign Ministry is coordinating efforts to ensure the Malaysians’ safe return home in the coming days.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that the nine Malaysians had been deported from Israel aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK6921, which landed in Istanbul at 7.30pm Malaysian time.

The FFC x TMTG humanitarian flotilla, comprising about 150 activists from 25 countries aboard nine vessels, set sail to deliver aid to Gaza. However, the convoy was intercepted by Israeli naval forces less than 120 nautical miles from Gaza on Wednesday. The activists were subsequently taken to Ashdod Port before being transferred to Ketziot Prison in Negev, Israel.

Among the Malaysians aboard the vessel Conscience were Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd Alauddin (delegation head), Dr. Fauziah Mohd Hassan, Dr. Hafiz Sulaiman, Dr. Ili Syakira Mohd Suhaimi, Prof. Dr. Mohd Afandi Salleh, Dr. Noorhasyimah Ismail, Norsham Abu Bakar, and Astro Awani journalist Syafik Shukri Abdul Jalil. Another Malaysian, Dr. Maziah Muhammad, was on board the Umm Saad.

The Malaysian government has been in close coordination with Türkiye throughout the diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the detained citizens.

Prime Minister Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that humanitarian missions such as the Freedom Flotilla reflect the global solidarity and compassion toward those suffering in Gaza.