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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned Israel’s reported use of force and disruption tactics against the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver essential aid to Gaza, saying the action was “completely unacceptable”.
“I deeply regret Israel’s ongoing crimes, and we have supported the Flotilla as this is a noble humanitarian effort,” Anwar said during a press conference with Malaysian media at the conclusion of his official visit to Timor-Leste.
He questioned the morality of denying vital aid to suffering civilians. “Is it justifiable to prevent the delivery of medicines and baby food to people who are starving and in pain?” he asked. “Clearly, Israel is imposing this blockade, and we condemn it in the strongest terms.”
His comments came after reports emerged from the GSF that their convoy had come under harassment while en route to Gaza. According to the mission, drones hovered over their vessels and unidentified explosive devices were dropped nearby in international waters, with incidents beginning around 1am local time.
GSF said communication systems were also disrupted during the night, and that drones – as many as 15 at one time – buzzed low over the lead vessel, Alma, at regular intervals. The harassment reportedly continued until around 3.30am.
Muslim Care Malaysia media director, Tuan Asri Tuan Hussein, who is onboard the mission, told Buletin Utama that all volunteers remained on alert throughout the night. “We didn’t sleep. Everyone took turns staying on watch. Sometimes we heard strange sounds or saw flashes of light every 15 or 30 minutes,” he said.
He added that out of the nine ships targeted, three carried volunteers from the Nusantara contingent, which includes 34 Malaysian representatives under the Sumud Nusantara mission led by Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzzaman.
The confrontation occurred before the flotilla entered the so-called “yellow zone”, approximately 300km off the coast of Gaza. The GSF convoy is scheduled to reach Gaza’s waters by the end of the month, carrying food, medical supplies, and a message of peace.
Nadir reiterated that the mission had no intention of docking at Israel’s Ashdod Port, despite prior suggestions by authorities. “In previous missions, they made the same offer, but we never accepted it. We are not violating international law by entering Gaza’s territorial waters,” he said.
The escalation prompted a rare naval response from Italy. According to Italian news agency ANSA, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto authorised the deployment of the Fasan, a multipurpose frigate, from its patrol near Crete under Operation Mare Sicuro, to assist the flotilla.
“The frigate is now heading to the area for a potential rescue operation,” Crosetto confirmed, adding his government’s “strongest condemnation” of the drone attack. “In a democracy, protest and peaceful demonstration must be protected as long as they respect international norms and refrain from violence.”
Italian flotilla spokesperson Maria Elena Delia said ships from Italy, England, and Poland were all targeted. “This is an attack on three countries and a very serious incident that sets a dangerous precedent,” she said. “We hope political leaders around the world will take action. At least 15 drones attacked us.”
The GSF is described as a historic humanitarian effort involving more than 1,000 volunteers from around the world aboard nearly 70 vessels, united in an attempt to break Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza.
Meanwhile, on a lighter note, Anwar, who is in Timor-Leste on an official visit, took part in a diplomatic moment of culinary flair at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting (AEM) Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur, where durian – Malaysia’s famous “king of fruits” – was served to guests.
Anwar playfully likened the fruit’s polarising flavour to blue cheese. “Some of you may not be familiar with it yet, but I strongly encourage you to try it. It tastes a bit like blue cheese — you’ll either love it or not be able to stand it,” he told guests during his keynote at the dinner.
The Prime Minister, who also chairs ASEAN 2025, said the choice of durian, along with other regional delicacies, reflected Malaysia’s commitment to promoting ASEAN diplomacy through shared cultural experiences.
“ASEAN is not just another region. It holds immense potential. Malaysia remains committed to ensuring that growth is inclusive, no member is left behind, and the benefits of integration are shared equitably,” Anwar said.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, echoed this sentiment, describing the buffet-style dinner as symbolic of ASEAN unity. “We served nasi lemak, gado-gado, chicken rice, pad thai, adobo, and much more. We may disagree on the best dish, but we can all agree that no one is leaving this ASEAN dinner hungry,” he joked.
The evening also featured musical performances by local artists Amsyar Lee, Shiha Zikir, Wanie Kyrie and Marsha Milan Londoh, alongside cultural showcases celebrating the region’s rich diversity. -September 25, 2025
