In a developing international humanitarian crisis, several Malaysian volunteers aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) have been detained by the Israeli navy after their ships entered the R3 red zone in the Mediterranean Sea last night — a zone approximately 100 nautical miles from Gaza’s coast.
The GSF mission, comprising 10 ships and 23 Malaysian nationals, was a peaceful initiative intended to deliver essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians trapped in the ongoing siege in Gaza. The flotilla was expected to reach the conflict-torn region by 6:32 PM Malaysia time, but its journey was forcefully interrupted.
As of 1 PM today, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) has confirmed that 12 Malaysians have been detained. The detainees include notable public figures such as:
Heliza Helmi and Nur Hazwani Afiqah Helmi (Ship: Hio)
Farah Lee (Norfarahin Romli) and Danish Nazram Murad (Grande Blu)
Zizi Kirana (Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil) (Huga)
Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khairudin, and Rusydi Ramli (Sirius)
Iylia Balqis, Musa Nuwayri, and Sul Aidil (Alma)
Communication Lost with Some Ships
There are growing concerns for five other Malaysians aboard the Estrella and Mikeno ships, as communication has been lost. Their current status remains unconfirmed.
Three other ships — Fair Lady, Free Willy, and Inana — are reported to still be in transit and in communication with SNCC. Aboard these are:
Zainal Rashid Ahmad and Ustaz Muhammad Abdullah (Fair Lady)
Muhammad Hareez Adzrami and Dr Taufiq Mohd Razif (Free Willy)
Razali Awang (Inana)
Aggressive Tactics and Communication Jamming
The Israeli military reportedly used radar jamming, high-pressure water cannons, and provocative radio broadcasts — including chilling messages like “See you in jail” — to intimidate the flotilla members. There are unverified reports that elite naval commandos (Sayeret Matkal) boarded the vessels and detained participants.
Outrage and Condemnation from Malaysia
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned the military aggression by Israel. He emphasized that blocking a humanitarian convoy is not only a violation of human rights but also a moral disgrace on the global stage.
“This flotilla symbolises solidarity, compassion, and hope… By obstructing the mission, Israel is showing disrespect not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” Anwar said.
Malaysia has vowed to explore all legal international avenues to ensure the safety and release of its citizens and to hold Israel accountable under international law.
SNCC Reassures Public
SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim assured the public that, based on direct communication, the Malaysian delegates are safe, despite Israeli orders to divert their ships to unknown locations.
Despite immense pressure, Malaysian volunteers have remained resolute, standing firm in their mission to bring hope, aid, and humanity to the people of Gaza.
