PETALING JAYA: Comprehensive efforts are underway to secure the immediate release of 10 Malaysians aboard vessels intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s efforts will also extend towards assisting all 186 participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission detained by the Zionist Israeli regime.
He said his administration is contacting and working closely with friendly nations to secure the release.
“We are working on finding the swiftest solution. We will monitor the situation and do our best. This is not only for the Malaysians but all participants.
“Please be assured that we are trying our level best to contact friendly countries to demand for an immediate release and condemn the Israeli aggression and atrocities,” he said during a telephone conversation with Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby yesterday.
The video of the call was uploaded on Anwar’s social media accounts.
SNCC had confirmed that six out of the 22 vessels intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while heading to Gaza involved 10 Malaysians.
The GSF mission involved 63 vessels in total, but only 22 were intercepted and directly boarded, affecting a total of 186 activists.
In a Facebook post earlier, Anwar said Malaysia wanted all parties to act immediately and ensure no harsh action was taken against the activists.
He condemned the actions of the Zionist Israeli regime against the GSF humanitarian mission, describing it as a clear violation of maritime law, resembling acts of piracy that tarnished universal humanitarian principles.
“Their safety must be guaranteed without compromise. In this critical situation, compassion and humanity must take precedence over all differences.
“Malaysia will continue to stand firmly in upholding these principles,” he said, adding that the prayers of all Malaysians were with the GSF.
The affected Malaysians are Zainal Rashid Ahmad on board Arkham III; Osman Zolkifli and Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin (Eros 1); Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman and Norhelmi Ab Ghani (Bianca BCN); Mohd Redzal Amzah (Freia); Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi (Marea); and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa (Esplai).
The mission comprises an international coalition combining maritime efforts with global mobilisation on land, including legal advocacy and solidarity campaigns across multiple countries aimed at breaking the blockade on the Gaza Strip amid its worsening humanitarian crisis.
