A deeply emotional and globally significant event is unfolding as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) — a peaceful humanitarian mission carrying aid to Gaza — was intercepted by Israeli naval forces, leading to the detention of several Malaysians aboard the convoy.
What began as a mission of compassion quickly escalated into an international standoff late last night when Israeli forces intercepted several GSF ships — including those carrying Malaysians — in the red zone of the Mediterranean Sea. The GSF, composed of 10 ships and 23 Malaysian delegates, was expected to arrive on Gaza’s shores by 6:32 PM (Malaysia time) today. However, that hopeful journey was violently disrupted.
According to the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), 12 Malaysians were officially confirmed detained as of 1 PM today, approximately 100 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast, within the R3 red zone.
Among those detained are public figures and well-known humanitarian activists:
-
Heliza Helmi and Nur Hazwani Afiqah Helmi aboard Hio
-
Farah Lee and Danish Nazram Murad aboard Grande Blu
-
Zizi Kirana (Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil) aboard Huga
-
Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khairudin, and Rusydi Ramli aboard Sirius
-
Iylia Balqis, Musa Nuwayri, and Sul Aidil aboard Alma
Five other Malaysians aboard Estrella and Mikeno are currently unreachable, with SNCC confirming communication has been lost, leaving their safety and whereabouts unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, three Malaysian-carrying ships — Fair Lady, Free Willy, and Inana — are still in transit and in communication. Onboard are:
-
Fair Lady: Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Ustaz Muhammad Abdullah
-
Free Willy: Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, Dr Taufiq Mohd Razif
-
Inana: Razali Awang
The flotilla has encountered heavy electronic interference, likely caused by radar jammers deployed by the Israeli military. Other aggressive tactics included high-pressure water sprays, radio disruption, and psychological tactics — including threats like: “See you in jail.”
Reports suggest the elite Israeli Sayeret Matkal commando unit carried out the boarding and detentions. These acts sparked international outrage, particularly from Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who condemned Israel’s aggressive response.
“By obstructing the humanitarian mission, Israel is showing disrespect not only for the rights of the Palestinian people, but also for the conscience of the world,” the Prime Minister said.
“This flotilla symbolises solidarity, compassion and hope to alleviate the suffering of those living under siege,” he added.
He reaffirmed that Malaysia will pursue every legal avenue under international law to hold Israel accountable and protect the Malaysians involved.
In a press conference, SNCC Director-General Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim emphasized that despite these detentions and aggressive tactics, all detained Malaysians are believed to be physically safe.
“We are confident that our delegates are being treated well because all the information received is directly from those on board, including from other international delegations,” he said.
He also confirmed that Israeli forces had redirected several ships to unknown locations.
Despite these tense developments, the Malaysian spirit remains unshaken. Volunteers aboard the flotilla remain committed to their cause — standing in solidarity with the oppressed, even under extreme pressure.
