Malaysia demands release of citizens, condemns Israel’s seizure of Sumud flotilla bound for Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has condemned

Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla

in international waters, calling it an “unlawful act” against unarmed civilians on a humanitarian mission.

The seizure of the flotilla and detention of some of those on board the 40 civilian boats, with the vessels carrying food and medicine bound for Gaza, have drawn international criticism.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Oct 2 that it is making every effort to secure the release of the 23 Malaysian detainees. Its statement said “all Malaysian detainees are safe and in good health, and arrangements are under way for their deportation to third countries before their safe return home”.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on X that the activists would be deported to Europe, without specifying which countries they would be sent to.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier on Oct 2 said several of the vessels had been stopped and were being redirected to an Israeli port.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry described Israel’s action as “a flagrant violation of international law, including maritime, humanitarian and human rights law”, and said it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide consular assistance as required.

Datuk Seri Anwar said in a Facebook live stream on Oct 2 that his team is engaging with his counterparts in Qatar, Turkey and Egypt to ensure the immediate release of Malaysian, Asean and international volunteers and activists.

He earlier described the flotilla as more than a convoy of aid, calling it a “symbol of solidarity and hope” for Palestinians living under blockade.

“By blocking this humanitarian mission, Israel has trampled not only on the rights of the Palestinian people, but also on the conscience of the world,” he said in a separate statement on Oct 2.

“The government will take all legitimate steps to ensure the safety and dignity of our people.”

The flotilla, made up of international activists and volunteers, set sail earlier this week with the stated aim of breaking the blockade on Gaza. Organisers said the mission carried essential supplies and represented a global show of solidarity with Palestinians.

It consisted of more than 40 civilian boats carrying about 500 parliamentarians, lawyers and activists – including Swedish climate and political activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel’s move has been met with outrage by Malaysians, with thousands of demonstrators staging a protest in front of the US Embassy on Oct 2.

Chanting “Free Palestine” and condemning Israel’s interception of the international humanitarian mission, the protesters demanded that US President Donald Trump use his influence to secure the freedom of the detained activists.

Mr Charles Santiago, co-chair of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, said Israel’s interception amounts to “state piracy”.

“It has no jurisdiction there, no legal grounds to detain civilians, and yet it arrogantly hijacks a humanitarian mission, proving once again its utter disregard for international law. 

“We condemn in the strongest terms the unlawful detention of all activists... whose only ‘crime’ was to deliver food and medicine to those under siege,” he said.

State news agency Bernama previously reported that among the Malaysians detained was singer Zizi Kirana on board the vessel Huga. Popular preacher P.U. Rahmat and actress Ardell Aryana were also among those believed to be held.

The Malaysians participated under the regional group Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC).

SNCC director-general Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby told Bernama that the Malaysian volunteers had earlier said they would throw their phones into the sea if their vessels were intercepted.

The volunteers previously had their communications devices jammed and were assaulted with water cannon, he added.

In a statement, Malaysia’s electoral watchdog Bersih also condemned the naval action, describing it as “abduction” of the flotilla crew.

The coalition called on the international community to press Israel to free all activists, and accused Israel of violating international law and committing “collective punishment” by blocking humanitarian aid.

On Oct 1, eight Malaysian volunteers released SOS alert videos on the Sumud Nusantara Official Facebook page, indicating that they had been held by Israeli forces.

“If you are watching this video, it means I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was peaceful, non-violent and fully in compliance with international law,” said Ms Zizi in her video.

Meanwhile, Ms Ardell described the interception in a live broadcast on her social media account before her capture. “My team is completely drenched. It is now 12.45am (5.45am Malaysian time) and we are still at sea in very strong waters,” she said, referring to the water cannon attacks.

Ms Ardell said the volunteers had raised their hands in compliance with Israeli orders but were still hit with water and oil, which she claimed damaged the boat.

She added that at the time of the interception, the ship was already close to Gaza’s waters.

Her husband, Malaysian actor Nadzmi Adhwa Nor Adzmi, said his “heart had never beaten so fast” after watching Ms Ardell’s SOS live broadcast. Hours later, he posted on social media that he had received no further updates.

“I am still in a state of confusion... May Allah protect my wife and everyone else,” he wrote on Threads.

Both Ms Ardell and Mr Nadzmi have participated in humanitarian missions in recent years. The couple, who have two young children, have often used their public platforms to raise awareness and support for humanitarian causes.

The interception adds another flashpoint to the Gaza conflict, where months of fighting have deepened a humanitarian crisis.

Human rights groups say blockades and restrictions have severely limited the flow of food, medicine and fuel into the territory.

“Malaysia will stand firm with the Palestinian people as long as their rights and aspirations continue to be denied,” Mr Anwar said.