Muscat: A sense of relief could be felt at the Muscat residence of Gulf News reporter Abbas Al Lawati as news of his safety reached his mother on Monday night.
Al Lawati was aboard the Mavi Marmara, one of the boats on the Freedom Flotilla, when it was attacked by Israeli forces on Monday.
In his hour of crisis, Oman rallied behind Al Lawati as social networking sites as well as online forums and blogs were flooded with prayers for his safe return.
Read special coverage of Freedom Flotilla
Gulf News statement on the Israeli attack
"We are relieved to hear that he is safe," his mother, Iffat Al Lawati, told Gulf News as friends and relatives kept calling to express happiness at the news of his safety.
However, Iffat was still concerned. "I am worried how he will come to Dubai if they (Israelis) leave him across the border without anything," she said.
She said she is going to Dubai on Wednesday "to spend a few days" with his son, adding that later she would like him to come home with her to Oman to relax.
The English newspaper Times of Oman carried news about Al Lawati on the front page, while their sister Arabic publication Shabiba also wrote about Al Lawati's courage and prayed for his safe return.
A message on Twitter was being circulated that a meeting was planned at the City Centre at 7.30pm on Tuesday in honour of Al Lawati and the Freedom Flotilla.
The tweets also mention involvement of the Omani Journalists Association (OJA) but a senior board member of the OJA denied any such plan.
Follow Abbas Al Lawati on twitter: @allawati
A large number of Omanis as well as expatriates are expected to meet in support of Al Lawati and the Freedom Flotilla.
