KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will use diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release and safe return of its citizens detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla off Gaza, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Concorde Hotel today, Fahmi condemned the abduction of Malaysian nationals involved in the international flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“This action is something the Malaysian government protests. We will use diplomatic channels to resolve the matter concerning the kidnapped Malaysians and ensure their swift release and return home,” he said.
Fahmi made the remarks during the launch of the Seminar on Developing Training Modules for Combating Fake News in Asean.
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre confirmed that eight Malaysians, including singer Zizi Kirana (real name Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil), were among those detained. Zizi was on board the Huga vessel, which was intercepted approximately 100km off Gaza after entering the red zone.
A total of 23 Malaysian activists and volunteers had joined the flotilla, which comprised 46 vessels. Several SOS videos released earlier showed Malaysian participants pleading for help as they were taken into custody by Israeli forces.
The following is a list of Malaysians detained by Israeli forces after their ships, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla delivering aid to Gaza, were intercepted this morning, as confirmed by Bernama:
Vessel: Hio
Heliza Helmi
Nur Hazwani Afiqah Helmi
Vessel: Grande Blu
Norfarahin Romli (Farah Lee)
Danish Nazram Murad
Vessel: Huga
Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil (Zizi Kirana)
Vessel: Sirius
Haikal Abdullah
Muaz Zainal
Zulfadhli Khairudin
Rusydi Ramli
Vessel: Alma
Iylia Balqis
Musa Nuwayri
Sul Aidil
Meanwhile, five other Malaysians aboard two additional vessels have lost contact with the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC). Their whereabouts remain unknown.
Vessel: Estrella
PU Rahmat
Norhelmi
Mohd Asmawi
Norazman
Vessel: Mikeno
Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin (Ardell Aryana)
The Global Sumud Flotilla involves more than 500 activists from 44 countries, including prominent public figures such as Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.
The flotilla is carrying food, medicine, and a message of solidarity to the residents of Gaza, who have been suffering under an enduring blockade and ongoing violence. Set sail from Barcelona, the GSF is part of a concerted international effort to challenge Israel’s long-standing maritime blockade of Gaza.
In response to the interception, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to holding Israel accountable, particularly in matters affecting Malaysian citizens. He expressed his concern over the safety and dignity of Malaysians involved in the flotilla.
“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,” he said. – October 2, 2025