KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza.
In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister decried the Israeli military’s actions as an affront to the rights of the Palestinian people and the conscience of the global community.
“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” Anwar said.
The flotilla, which included several Malaysians, was on a mission of solidarity, aiming to provide vital assistance to the people of Gaza who have long been under siege. Anwar emphasized that by blocking this humanitarian mission, Israel demonstrated not only a disregard for Palestinian rights but also for global calls for justice.
“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,” he added.
As of the latest reports, 15 Malaysians aboard the flotilla have lost contact with the Sumud Nusantara Control Centre (SNCC) after their vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces off the Gaza coast. Eight Malaysians, including popular singer Zizi Kirana, were confirmed detained, while the whereabouts of five others remain unknown. The SNCC has issued emergency distress signals, with some vessels reporting attacks from Israeli ships, including the use of water cannons and radar jammers.
Anwar also reassured the public that Malaysia would take every possible legal step to ensure that Israel is held accountable, particularly regarding the safety of Malaysian citizens involved in the mission.
“Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at our disposal to ensure that Israel is held to account, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens. The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity,” he stated.
In the statement, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, vowing that the country would continue to advocate for an end to the injustice and displacement faced by Palestinians for decades.
“As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them. We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations,” the Prime Minister said. – October 2, 2025