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THE nation is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues to secure the immediate release of Malaysian, ASEAN and other international volunteers detained by Israeli forces following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed in a statement today that both he and his team are “working intensively with key stakeholders, including diplomatic channels,” to ensure the safe return of those detained.
“Let us pray that all detainees, especially our Malaysian citizens, are safe and protected,” he said via Facebook, offering words of comfort to the families of those affected.
Twelve Malaysians are confirmed to be among the more than 200 activists from at least 37 countries who were detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted several vessels in international waters.
The flotilla was attempting to break the maritime blockade imposed on Gaza. According to reports, high-profile figures including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Emma Fourreau were also among those detained.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil condemned the interception as a blatant violation of international law, stating, “This wanton defiance of international laws is completely unacceptable.”
He added that the Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) are coordinating efforts across agencies, and further announcements would be made shortly.
What Trarspired
Video evidence from the scene, shared by Malaysian activist Farah Lee, showed the Grande Blu being doused with high-pressure water cannons.
“They sprayed lightly at first and gave a warning, but when we continued, they increased the pressure and we were all thrown about,” she said in a voice note posted to Instagram. In another post, she said Israeli forces demanded the vessel either turn back or reroute to Israel under threat of further aggression.
Meanwhile, influencer Ardell Aryana (Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin) was last seen livestreaming from the Mikeno before contact was lost. She reported that the vessel was attacked, its sail damaged and passengers targeted despite raising their hands in surrender.
“Everyone on board is a civilian from different nations, carrying milk and clean water for our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” she said.
The intercepted flotilla has sparked swift condemnation from several governments, including Colombia, Venezuela and Türkiye, all of whom have demanded the immediate release of the detained individuals and a halt to what they call Israel’s unlawful interference in humanitarian operations.
Activists from Malaysia detained include public figures such as singer Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqa (aboard the vessel Hio), singer Zizi Kirana (Huga), influencer Farah Lee and Danish Nazram (Grande Blu), along with Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis and Sul Aidil (Alma), and Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin and Rusydi Ramli (Sirius).
The flotilla’s organisers have labelled Israel’s actions as a breach of international maritime law and called on the global community to hold the state accountable.
The mission, which involved over 50 vessels and 500 volunteers, was one of the largest maritime aid efforts to Gaza in recent years and was carrying essential supplies such as medicine, food and clean water.
Israel’s military claimed the flotilla violated a designated blockade zone and alleged that some activists had links to extremist groups – a claim strongly denied by organisers. Those detained have been taken to Israeli ports for deportation processing, according to military sources.
As efforts intensify to secure their release, Malaysian authorities continue to update the public and maintain contact with affected families, pledging full support during what Anwar described as a “challenging and distressing time.”- October 2, 2025
