GSF: PM Anwar using diplomatic channels to secure release of detained Malaysians - SNCC

Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the matter was conveyed by the Prime Minister to him this morning via a phone call.

"The Prime Minister is closely following developments and called me not only to ask about the current situation, but to give his full commitment that he will do whatever it takes to ensure our people are safe and bring them home after the negotiation process," he said at a press conference here today.

According to him, the Prime Minister's role is crucial as SNCC and GSF can only act on a technical level, while diplomatic channels and government-to-government relations are the key to securing the release of the detainees.

As of 10.44 am Malaysian time today, 14 out of 44 flotilla vessels had been intercepted and 201 of the 497 mission participants, including 12 Malaysians, were confirmed detained by Israeli forces.

Earlier, in a social media post, Anwar said he and his team were actively engaging with stakeholders through diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release of volunteers and activists from Malaysia, ASEAN and abroad who had joined the GSF mission.

He also said the latest developments regarding the release efforts would be communicated from time to time.

Sani Araby described the Zionist regime's interception of the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid as a cowardly act which violated international law.

"This delegation represents 45 countries, covering Asia, European nations and even NATO members such as Turkiye... certainly, this time one of the reasons they (Israel) have yet to take further action despite having the opportunity is because the world is watching.

"However, this is a non-violent mission. We accept the situation, negotiate properly with the Israeli forces over the radio, and they too spoke in a civil manner. I believe this is because the world is watching, and we hope this mission proceeds to the next phase without any violent action or provocation," he said.

He said neither his team nor the GSF Secretariat had received any response from Israel regarding the reasons for intercepting and detaining the flotilla participants.

"The GSF and SNCC expect negotiations through third parties with Israel for the detainees' release to be held soon," he said.