As a gesture of appreciation, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has gifted brand-new mobile phones to 23 Malaysian volunteers who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Fahmi said the contribution was meant to help the volunteers reconnect easily and manage personal matters upon returning home, while also enabling them to continue sharing their stories and mission experiences more efficiently through digital communication channels.
“This small contribution symbolises our gratitude for representing Malaysia in the GSF humanitarian mission and for providing valuable updates while aboard the vessel. The government truly appreciates the volunteers’ dedication and spirit throughout the mission,” he said.
Apart from Fahmi, the volunteers were also welcomed home by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as well as representatives from various government agencies, NGOs, and family members.
The Emirates flight EK342 carrying all 27 Malaysian participants — including four observers and five lawyers — landed safely at 10:07 p.m. on Tuesday.
On October 2, Israeli forces intercepted all 42 ships involved in the GSF humanitarian mission to Gaza, detaining 495 activists, including 23 Malaysians, who were later released in stages beginning October 4.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government would replace the mobile phones of the 23 Malaysian volunteers, which had to be discarded into the sea as part of the mission’s safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The SOP was implemented as a precautionary measure in case the flotilla was detained by Israeli forces, with all delegates having received thorough safety briefings and hands-on training before embarking on the humanitarian mission.
