Global Sumud flotilla: Secure release of detained volunteers via diplomatic channels, says Khaled

KOTA TINGGI: Use diplomacy, not military force to bring back the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) volunteers, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Defence Minister said any action that risks the safety of the detained participants, including Malaysians, must be avoided.

“The effort to secure the release of the detained volunteers should be handled through diplomatic channels and not through military intervention.

“This is not a matter that requires military action and we do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, so we must rely on other channels and work with friends and partners (nations) through diplomacy,” he said when asked to comment on the issue after a parent-teacher association event in Kolej Vokasional here on Thursday (Oct 2).

He added that the most important thing is the safety of those detained, adding that the people must understand this and give their full support to the efforts being made by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The Prime Minister has already said he is in contact with Turkey, Egypt and Qatar to help secure their release.

“Some things can be disclosed, some cannot, so we must give space for these efforts to succeed,” he added.

Mohamed Khaled also urged Malaysians not to sensationalise the issue or organise demonstrations, which do not solve the issue.

GSF is a 44-vessel mission carrying humanitarian supplies and international activists to assist the people of Gaza.

The mission left Spain last month, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations says famine has set in.

There are 23 Malaysian activists and volunteers with the international flotilla of 46 vessels, which was intercepted by Israeli forces after entering the red zone.

As of 7.50am Malaysian time, 12 of them have been confirmed detained by Israeli forces after entering the red zone R3, about 100 nautical miles from Gaza, last night.

In total, 10 ships were carrying 23 Malaysians in the GSF mission.