GSF 2.0: Malaysian Activists Remain Determined to Continue Gaza Mission
ISTANBUL, May 3 — Malaysian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 mission have reaffirmed their decision to continue their journey to Gaza, despite earlier detention and challenges.
Former journalist Zainal Rashid Ahmad said their stop in Istanbul is part of the mission route and not a return point to Kuala Lumpur.
“We are not going home. We will continue towards Gaza,” he said in a video message.
Zainal was among 10 Malaysians detained alongside over 180 international activists on April 30 in international waters near Crete, Greece.
Despite experiencing difficult conditions during detention, he stressed that their commitment to delivering humanitarian aid remains unchanged.
He also called on Malaysians to stay united in supporting Gaza and to remember the significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Zainal further urged the Malaysian government to take diplomatic action regarding the detention of Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who are still being held.
Their remand period has reportedly been extended by a court in Ashkelon.
According to a lawyer from Adalah, authorities had previously sought longer detention periods based on several serious charges.
These include allegations of assisting an enemy during wartime, maintaining contact with foreign agents and involvement in a designated organisation.
-wilayah.com.my
