KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the “true courage” of nine Malaysians sailing towards Gaza on a humanitarian flotilla, even as 23 others detained by Israel in a separate mission were prepared for evacuation.
In a video call from Putrajaya, Anwar spoke to activists and volunteers aboard the Conscience and TM Denmark Boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) initiative.
The convoy, carrying around 150 participants from 25 countries, is attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
“Their sacrifices in upholding the principles of humanity stand as an exemplary model for all Malaysians, especially the younger generation, of what true courage, determination, and unwavering solidarity mean,” Anwar said in a Facebook post after the call.
The flotilla, which includes doctors, academics, aid workers and a journalist from Malaysia, is expected to enter the yellow zone of the Mediterranean — about 300 nautical miles from Gaza — within 24 hours.
The Malaysian delegation is led by Prof Emeritus Dr Mohd Alauddin Mohd Ali.
It includes four doctors, Dr Fauziah Mohd Hassan, Dr Hafiz Sulaiman, Dr Ili Syakira Mohd Suhaimi, and Dr Maziah Muhammad, as well as lecturers Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh and Dr Noorhasyimah Ismail and MyCARE trustee Norsham Abu Bakar.
Also onboard is Astro Awani journalist Syafik Shukri Abdul Jalil.
Humanitarian NGO MyCARE is spearheading Malaysia’s participation in the mission.
At the same time, Anwar confirmed that 23 Malaysians detained by Israel after the raid on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) are being flown to Istanbul aboard a special aircraft provided by Türkiye.
The detainees, held since Thursday, were moved to Ramon Airport in southern Israel before departure.
Anwar said they will undergo medical checks in Istanbul due to trauma and stress caused by “Israel’s harsh and oppressive actions” before returning to Malaysia.
Looking ahead, the prime minister said he hopes his meeting with United States President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur later this month can help advance Palestinian rights and the realisation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Trump is scheduled to attend the Asean-US Summit and the East Asia Summit alongside the Asean Summit.
“I look forward to a candid and constructive exchange on how we, together with our partners, can help shape the path towards a just and lasting peace that secures the rights of the Palestinian people and the realisation of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” Anwar said.
Both flotillas are part of international grassroots efforts to deliver aid and show solidarity with Palestinians under Israel’s siege of Gaza. — October 4, 2025