KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and urged the immediate release of Malaysian and international activists.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the flotilla carried unarmed civilians and vital humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza when it was blocked.
He stressed that the mission was purely humanitarian and that Malaysia would do its utmost to secure the freedom of its citizens.
“I call for the immediate release of all Malaysian and international activists and volunteers detained during this mission. This was a humanitarian effort involving unarmed civilians bringing much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.
“The government will do its best to secure the safe return of Malaysians held in custody,” he said in a Facebook statement.
He said Israel’s actions demonstrated disregard not only for Palestinian rights but also for the conscience of the international community.
The flotilla, he added, was more than a convoy of aid – it was a symbol of global solidarity and compassion for Gaza.
Its mission, according to him, represented hope for those forced to endure hardship under an inhumane and unlawful blockade.
“By blocking this humanitarian mission, Israel has trampled on the conscience of the world. The flotilla carried solidarity, compassion and the promise of relief for Gaza’s suffering people.
“It showed that humanity stands with Palestine even as their rights continue to be denied,” he asserted.
Malaysia, he said, would pursue every legitimate and lawful measure to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
He assured that the safety, dignity and rights of Malaysians abroad would remain the government’s highest priority.
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s unyielding support for Palestine, saying the country would not relent in demanding justice and freedom.
“As long as Palestinians are denied their rights, Malaysia will remain steadfast in its stand. We will not back down from pressing for an end to injustice and dispossession that has spanned generations,” he added.
The Global Sumud Flotilla involved 46 vessels carrying international volunteers and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza.
A total of 23 Malaysians joined the mission, which was intercepted about 100 kilometres off the enclave after entering the declared red zone.
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre confirmed that eight Malaysians were among those detained as of 6:00 am Malaysian time.
They included singer Zizi Kirana, whose real name is Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, who had been on board the vessel Huga.
