The director-general of the Sumud Nusantara command centre, Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, said the 10 were among 175 humanitarian activists from the flotilla who were transported to Heraklion airport in buses provided by the Greek authorities.

Sani said the 10 released Malaysian activists have accepted a Turkish government offer of seats on a 160-seat aircraft which will repatriate 20 Turkish citizens.

“The flight is expected to arrive at Istanbul international airport at 11.45pm Malaysian time,” he said at a press conference here tonight.

Sani Araby said the centre had received reports that the activists faced provocation and physical attacks during their detention in uncomfortable conditions, leading to violent incidents that resulted in injuries to several participants.

Two members of the flotilla’s main steering committee, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila, remained in Israeli custody, believed to be an attempt to threaten and cripple the mission.

Sani Araby said the centre has been in contact with the foreign ministry to coordinate travel arrangements for the Malaysian activists. “Three of our representatives are already in Istanbul for management and assessment,” he said.

The decision on whether the activists will continue their mission or return home depends on their health status and the current consensus between the centre and the flotilla, he said.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international maritime coalition and global movement committed to breaking the blockade on Gaza.