Malaysian flotilla participants detained by Israel as Anwar demands release

At least 15 Malaysians taking part in a humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza have been detained by Israeli forces after their vessel was intercepted outside the blockaded enclave early on 2 October.

The flotilla, named the Global Sumud Flotilla, departed in August to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. According to the United Nations, more than 65,000 people have been killed in the territory, with the organisation last month describing Israel’s actions as genocide.

Among the 34 Malaysians on board were actors, musicians, activists, and social media personalities. The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations, which coordinated the Malaysian contingent, confirmed the arrests of several members and released pre-recorded messages from detainees.

Rapper Zizi Kirana, 40, described the incident as an “abduction”, calling for urgent intervention by Malaysia. “Our humanitarian mission was peaceful, non-violent and fully in compliance with international law,” she said in a video while holding up her passport. Several other detainees issued similar appeals.

In addition to the Malaysian nationals, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was also detained when Israeli forces boarded the flotilla’s lead ship, the Alma.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a firm condemnation, declaring that Malaysia would pursue every legal avenue to hold Israel accountable.

“The safety of Malaysians is a priority and we will never remain silent when their rights and dignity are violated,” he said.

He stressed that the flotilla was not simply an aid mission but a “symbol of unity, solidarity and love of humanity”. Anwar is patron of the Sumud Nusantara, a coalition of vessels from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand, which forms part of the larger flotilla.

The Malaysian foreign ministry echoed this stance, labelling the detention a “criminal and cowardly act of aggression”. In its statement, the ministry insisted the flotilla was a lawful humanitarian initiative to deliver urgently needed aid to Gaza and urged the international community to protect such efforts.

Local media reported that a team of Malaysian lawyers has arrived in Amman, Jordan, to negotiate for the release of those detained. Free Malaysia Today said the legal team is in close coordination with Malaysian authorities and humanitarian organisations.

The incident has intensified criticism of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has drawn repeated condemnation from human rights bodies.

The United Nations has previously warned that restrictions on aid and movement have deepened humanitarian suffering inside the enclave.

The Global Sumud Flotilla’s interception recalls earlier flotilla confrontations, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid in which Israeli forces killed nine activists during an attempt to deliver aid to Gaza.