06/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 6, 2025

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Detained GSF activists to return today

SEPANG: All 23 Malaysian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission, who were recently released from Israeli detention, are scheduled to return home today, said Sumud Nusantara Operations Centre director general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby. The activists arrived safely at Istanbul International Airport at 8.40pm Malaysian time on Saturday, after departing from Ramon Airport in Israel at 6.40pm on a Turkish Airlines flight fully arranged and sponsored by the

Turkish government. They were received by officials from the Malaysian Embassy in Turkey, the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish government before being placed at hotels in Istanbul to rest ahead of their journey home. “Sumud Nusantara expresses heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the families, delegates,

secretariat and all Malaysians who supported this mission, for the care and leadership shown by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government. “Their relentless efforts and strong international diplomatic ties were instrumental in securing the release of the 23 Malaysians,” he said at a media conference.

Departure request signed to expedite repatriation: Minister SEREMBAN: The requirement for Malaysians on the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to sign a “Request for Immediate Departure” form after being detained at Ketziot Prison, Israel, was aimed at expediting their repatriation and does not represent a concession, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the move was part of an SOP that had been communicated earlier to the delegation by the humanitarian mission secretariat, as the possibility of detention by Israeli authorities had been anticipated based on previous missions. “By signing the form they avoided a lengthy legal process. We are unsure how the Israeli legal system works, and without signing they would likely have been detained much longer. This step has clearly helped expedite their release. “GSF is not a terrorist mission but a peace mission to protest against Israeli atrocities. They carried no weapons. So, to be clear, this is not a concession. It is diplomacy done calmly and tactfully,” he said after attending the Sheikh Haji Ahmad Mosque Mawlid carnival yesterday. The Rembau MP said signing the release form also facilitated diplomatic coordination as Malaysia does not have official ties with Israel and depends on assistance from friendly nations such as Turkiye, Jordan and Egypt. Mohamad said the documentation process and arrangements to bring home all 23 Malaysian activists who have been released would be managed by the Prime Minister’s Department. Last Thursday, 23 Malaysian activists were detained by Israeli forces after their vessel was intercepted in the R3 Red Zone of the Mediterranean Sea before being taken to the port of Ashdod. Mohamad said the government is also monitoring the movements of eight other Malaysian volunteers, comprising medical experts, journalists and humanitarian workers, participating in the third wave of the humanitarian aid mission to Gaza. “So far, we have not received any new updates. If they are detained, we may adopt the same approach, including requesting them to sign the form as it helps simplify the legal process.” – Bernama He also thanked Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan for their key roles in the negotiation process. – Bernama Terengganu thanks govt for job well done KUALA NERUS: The Terengganu government has extended its gratitude to the federal administration for successfully securing the release and safe return of all 23 Malaysians who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said Putrajaya’s swift diplomatic efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety of the activists, including five participants from Terengganu. “We are truly thankful to the federal government for its efforts and we pray for the safe return of all those involved,” he said yesterday. Ahmad Samsuri said the state government has remained in contact with the Terengganu participants through various channels and confirmed that all are in good health. The participants are Norfarahin Romli, better known as Farah Lee, Muhammad Rusydi Ramli, Razali Awang, Muhammad Abdullah, also known as Ustaz Mad Kecil and Muhammad Asmawi Mokhtar. – Bernama

GSF activists, sisters Nur Heliza Helmi (left) and Nur Hazwani Afiqah in good spirits upon arrival at Istanbul Airport. – AFP/PIC

‘Conditional acceptance of peace plan a power play’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Hamas’ stance signals readiness to engage in dialogue but on own terms, using conditions as leverage to shape negotiation process, says academic

PETALING JAYA: Hamas’ “conditional” acceptance of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan isn’t a peace breakthrough, but a power play, says International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli. He said the group’s stance signals a readiness to engage in dialogue but only on its own terms while using the conditions as leverage to shape the negotiation process. “By framing it as ‘conditional”, Hamas turns those conditions into bargaining chips rather than absolute deal-breakers.” He said for Malaysia the move reinforces its long-held position of supporting Palestinian rights and advocating for negotiated settlements. “In regional diplomacy, Malaysia can use this moment to push for greater Asean and OIC involvement, positioning itself as a credible mediator that supports peace while standing firmly against unilateral aggression.” Mohd Yazid said any genuine progress now depends on whether the US and Israel engage seriously with Hamas’ terms. “For now, Malaysia gains diplomatic room to strengthen its humanitarian and political advocacy for Palestine.” He said Hamas is unlikely to disarm unconditionally without concrete guarantees for Palestinian safety. “They will never place Palestinian lives at the mercy of Europe, the US or Israel. At the very least, there must be a practical mechanism to prevent future violence against Palestinians.” He said Hamas’ conditions likely centre on

fundamental issues – Palestinian security, the right of refugees to return, lifting the Gaza blockade and guarantees of sovereignty. “While these are grounded in long standing principles, they also serve as leverage to extract practical concessions from the US and Israel. Some details may be negotiable but the foundations of statehood, territorial rights and dignity are non-negotiable.” Mohd Yazid said Hamas’ move represents a strategic shift from its past stance of rejecting US-led initiatives. “Hamas now appears flexible amid mounting international pressure and worsening conditions in Gaza. “It helps ease external pressure, appeals to regional actors like Qatar, Egypt and Malaysia, and shows Palestinians that it isn’t shutting the door on peace.” He said Trump’s credibility as a mediator, however, remains highly contested. “For Palestinians and much of the global community, Trump lacks impartiality, especially after recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and backing Israeli settlements. Conversely, Israel and far-right groups see him as a staunch ally, polarising perceptions of his role.” Malaysia has welcomed Hamas’ conditional acceptance which Mohd Yazid described as cautious optimism, not a policy shift. “By acknowledging this step, Malaysia

signals support for any progress, however limited, that could reduce violence and open space for negotiations.” He added that Malaysia could play a constructive role in monitoring or humanitarian assistance if a phased withdrawal or truce takes place. “Leveraging on its experience in aid delivery, NGO networks and credibility in the Muslim world, Malaysia can strengthen its humanitarian standing while maintaining a principled foreign policy. “By supporting Palestinian rights while engaging diplomatically Malaysia can assert itself as both a credible mediator and a humanitarian actor.” On Saturday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia welcomed Hamas’ conditional acceptance of the peace plan. “This development is seen as a starting point towards lasting peace for Palestine and its people,” he said, adding that it also reflects Hamas’ willingness to seek a peaceful solution. The plan proposes making Gaza a demilitarised zone under a transitional governing mechanism overseen by Trump through an international monitoring body. It also includes the release of captives, an end to hostilities, disarmament of armed groups in Gaza and Israel’s phased withdrawal from the territory.