KUALA LUMPUR — The Marinette — the last ship still afloat in the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission to deliver aid to Gaza — was seized in international waters this afternoon, marking the end of the 42-vessel convoy’s first wave.
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), based in Sepang, confirmed the interception 60 nautical miles from Gaza, with livestream signals from the ship abruptly cut.
No Malaysians were on board the Marinette, which was previously reported to be sailing in the Red Zone R2 before contact was lost.
The capture means every vessel in the flotilla has now been detained, with Israeli forces holding more than 450 activists from over 50 countries, including prominent figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, US actress Susan Sarandon, and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s designation of the flotilla members as “terrorists”, calling it “insolent” and a deliberate attempt to criminalise humanitarian work.
“These (GSF) participants did not bring weapons, did not kill anyone. They brought food, drinks and medicine. To brand them as terrorists is an insolent statement,” he told reporters today.
Twenty-three Malaysians remain in Israeli custody, including celebrities Heliza Helmi, Zizi Kirana and Ardell Aryana. Anwar said Putrajaya is working with international partners to secure their release.
Despite the complete capture of the initial flotilla, GSF stressed the movement is far from over.
Nine new ships carrying activists and supplies are preparing to sail from Marsa Matruh in Egypt, while the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said another 11 vessels were reported gathering off Crete, carrying about 100 people.
“We will not stop. The cumulative global movement must continue… every port, every street, every square,” GSF noted in their statement.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since 2007, restricting the flow of goods and people into the enclave.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that conditions are “uninhabitable”, with famine looming and basic infrastructure shattered by the ongoing war.
Since October 2023, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, according to health authorities in the territory.
Rights groups and governments across the world have condemned Israel’s actions against the flotilla, urging Tel Aviv to release the detainees and allow aid to reach Gaza.
For many activists, the flotilla is not just about breaking the siege but also about breaking the silence. As the last of the first wave’s ships is hauled into port, new vessels already lining up suggest the seas will not remain calm for long. — October 3, 2025