Providing the latest updates in a Facebook live broadcast this afternoon, Anwar said the group was heading to Ramon Airport in southern Israel, where they will board a special flight to Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to Kuala Lumpur.
“With coordination from our officials in Ankara, together with our ambassador and the Malaysian embassy there, it is better for them to stay in Istanbul for about a day or a day-and-a-half for health checks and to recover from the trauma and harsh treatment by the Israeli regime before returning home,” he said.
“I expect them to depart for home possibly tomorrow night (Sunday) or the day after. That is what we are arranging.”
Anwar said the breakthrough for the volunteers’ release came after extensive diplomatic negotiations involving foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, US president Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, US secretary of state Mike Rubio, as well as Qatari and Turkish officials.
There was also full cooperation from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in handling the matter, he said.
Anwar also said he had expressed limited support for the Gaza peace plan as Malaysia still wants to “see clear guarantees of Palestine’s freedom and independence”.
“The decision of the Madani government is naturally tied to the decisions of Arab and Islamic countries, as well as to Hamas itself.
“Hamas has accepted the initial statement that attacks must cease, Palestine and Gaza must be freed, humanitarian corridors opened and all detainees released, both in Gaza and in Israel.
“However, the subsequent details must still be refined and carefully reviewed so that all parties can move together – especially Hamas, the neighbouring Arab states and other Islamic nations,” he said.
Yesterday, Trump told Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agreed to release hostages and some other terms in a US plan to end the war, but vexing issues like disarmament appeared unresolved.
Hamas then issued its response to Trump’s 20-point plan, after the president gave the Palestinian militant group until Sunday to accept or face grave consequences.
Anwar said the GSF mission, despite its challenges, had achieved its goal of raising global awareness about the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
“It is not easy to reach Gaza under Israeli occupation, but the flotilla has made a significant contribution by showing the world that Israel not only targets what it calls militant groups, but also harshly restricts and punishes humanitarian aid,” he said.
In another Facebook post, Anwar also said he had managed to speak to nine Malaysian activists and volunteers currently in the Mediterranean Sea who have entered the “yellow zone”.
“I encouraged them and prayed for their efforts and journey to Gaza to be eased.
“Their sacrifice in upholding the principles of humanity are an example for all Malaysians, especially future generations, about the meaning of bravery, determination and solidarity,” he said.
Previously, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the “yellow zone”, which starts 300 nautical miles from Gaza, has a record of incidents of harassment by Israel.
The GSF mission involved more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including Malaysia, sailing towards Gaza to deliver essential supplies and show solidarity with Palestinians affected by ongoing Israeli attacks.
Almost all the GSF vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces, and their passengers were taken to a port in Israel before arrangements for their release were finalised.