At the time of writing, at least 12 Malaysian volunteers who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza have been detained by Israeli forces who intercepted the ship.
Emergency SOS messages for all 12 volunteers were posted on Sumud Nusantara social media, indicating they were in Israeli custody.
In an official statement from Global Sumud Flotilla, multiple vessels of the organisation, namely Alma, Surius, and Adara, were illegally intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces.
According to the tracking system of the North Nusantara Control Centre (SNCC), Grande Blu was intercepted at 12.58 midnight Gaza time, while Hio was intercepted at 2.34 AM at a position approximately 60 nautical miles from Gaza.
“This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians on international waters.”
The organisation, in its statement, urged all world leaders to demand the release and safety of all on board. During the interception, the vessels were only 70 nautical miles away from the Gaza coastline. Despite the challenges, Global Sumud Flotilla made it clear that the humanitarian mission will go on as planned.
“If you’re listening to this, it means I have been taken against my will by the Israeli forces!”
Several volunteers who managed to send messages via social media said that the Israeli army had used water cannons and sprayed them towards their boats. Before losing contact, several Malaysian activists, through the official Facebook page of Sumud Nusantara, said that they had been abducted.
They appealed to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to demand their immediate, unconditional release.
Israel claimed the flotilla was only “interested in provocation”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel responded, claiming that the flotilla refused “another peaceful way of delivering the aid” because they are only interested in provocation.
The Israeli Navy has reached out to the Hamas-Sumud flotilla and asked them to change course. Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade, as seen in a video.
The Prime Minister condemns Israel’s actions
Anwar Ibrahim, in a statement, condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli regime’s actions in intercepting the humanitarian mission carried out by the Global South Flotilla (GSF) when it was carrying unarmed civilians to Gaza.
He said Malaysia would use all legal and lawful methods to ensure Israel is held accountable, especially regarding Malaysian citizens.
Anwar also said the action reflected Israel’s attitude of disregarding not only the rights of the Palestinian people but also the global conscience.
“By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”
“The flotilla embodied solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief for those under blockade.” Anwar said.
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