KUALA LUMPUR — Jordan and Türkiye have given assurances to assist in the repatriation of 23 Malaysians taken by Israel after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya has activated multiple diplomatic channels through countries with embassies in Israel — including the United States, Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt — to ensure the safety and release of its citizens.
“We had anticipated such a situation, so discussions were already held with our friends, especially from ASEAN,” Mohamad told reporters after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) in Sepang, reported Bernama.
“Since Malaysia does not have an embassy in Israel, we have requested friendly countries to extend consular assistance.”
He said the US, through its deputy secretary of state, had also expressed commitment to provide consular support via its embassy in Tel Aviv, while Malaysian missions in Jordan, Türkiye, Cairo and Algiers are on standby to offer logistical help once the Malaysians are released.
“We do not know which route the detainees will be released through, as this depends on the Israeli Zionist regime,” he said.
Mohamad added that communication between GSF’s legal team and the detained activists has been interrupted as Israel observes the Yom Kippur holiday, during which government and diplomatic offices remain closed.
“Don’t worry, the government is monitoring their situation by the second. We hope that by Monday, when offices reopen, we’ll be able to re-establish contact. But our communication through intermediary countries remains in very good order,” he said.
The foreign ministry confirmed earlier that all 23 Malaysians on the GSF were detained and would be repatriated through a third country.
More than 500 activists from 44 countries took part in the flotilla, which set sail for Gaza carrying humanitarian supplies in defiance of Israel’s blockade. The vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching their destination. — October 4, 2025