KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will use diplomatic channels to secure the swift release and return of Malaysians detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla off Gaza, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the Madani government strongly condemns the kidnapping of Malaysians who were part of the international flotilla bringing aid to war‑ravaged Gazans.
“This action is something the Malaysian government protests,” he said on Thursday (Oct 2).
“We will use diplomatic channels to resolve the matter concerning the kidnapped Malaysians to secure their release and speedy return to Malaysia,” added Fahmi.
He spoke when launching the Seminar on Developing Training Modules for Combating Fake News in Asean.
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Eight Malaysian volunteers, including singer Zizi Kirana, who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, released SOS videos indicating they are held by Israeli forces.
There are 23 Malaysian activists and volunteers with the international flotilla of 46 vessels, which was intercepted by Israeli forces after entering the red zone about 100km off Gaza.
As of 6am Malaysian time, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre confirmed that eight Malaysians were among those detained.
Among them is singer Zizi Kirana, whose real name is Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, on board the vessel Huga, who was confirmed detained by Israeli forces.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since condemned the action against the flotilla.
