SHAH ALAM, Oct 8 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has expressed gratitude for the safe return of 23 Malaysian activists who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission.
His Royal Highness also expressed deep appreciation and admiration for the commitment and dedication of the activists, as well as the voluntary missions undertaken by GSF to help Palestinians who continue to suffer under the Zionist regime.
According to a statement uploaded on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page today, Sultan Sharafuddin had been closely following developments of the GSF mission and was concerned about the plight of the activists when they were detained by Israel in international waters en route to Gaza.
“His Royal Highness also extended thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for successfully securing the immediate release of all Malaysian activists with the cooperation of the Turkish government.
“Although this humanitarian aid could not be delivered to the people of Gaza, His Royal Highness hopes GSF’s efforts will continue to open the eyes of the world and raise awareness of the oppression and atrocities committed by the Israeli Zionist regime against the people of Gaza,” the statement said.
As a guide and reference for Malaysians, Sultan Sharafuddin suggested the 23 activists compile their experiences into a book.
Yesterday, Emirates flight EK342 carrying 23 Malaysian volunteers, four activists from the observer ship, and five lawyers, landed at KLIA Terminal 1 at 10.07pm.
On October 2, the activists aboard GSF mission boats were detained by Israel after their ship was intercepted in the Red Zone of the Mediterranean Sea, and taken to Ashdod Port in Israel.
They were later released and departed Ramon Airport at 6.45pm Malaysian time on Saturday, arriving in Istanbul at 8.40pm the same evening, before finally coming home.
