October 2, 2025 | 04:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli military's interception and detention of volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission.
"I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion," Anwar said in a statement from Kuala Lumpur, as quoted by Antara.
He asserted that by obstructing the mission, Israel has shown disregard not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world. Anwar stated that the humanitarian flotilla embodies solidarity, compassion, and hope for delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave under an Israeli blockade.
The Prime Minister asserted that Malaysia will use all lawful means to protect its citizens and ensure Israel is held accountable. "The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity," he stressed.
He reiterated that Malaysia will stand firmly with the Palestinian people as long as their fundamental rights and aspirations are denied. "We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations," Anwar declared.
The Global Sumud Flotilla convoy, which included Malaysian volunteers, was reportedly intercepted by Israel, and its crew detained. News of the incident was disseminated by Sumud Nusantara Malaysia, a collective movement responsible for volunteers from Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia who departed for Gaza.
United Fleet Malaysia Condemns Detention and US Engagement
On a separate occasion, Muhammad Hilman Idham, Chief of the United Fleet Malaysia, also condemned the detentions in a release received by Tempo on Thursday, calling the action a violation of human rights and freedom for all activists on a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Hilman argued that Israel's interception of the aid ships violates clear international laws that prohibit the obstruction of humanitarian aid, especially supplies carrying essential life necessities.
Hilman also urged Malaysia, which chairs ASEAN this year, to demand justice and not roll out the red carpet for U.S. President Donald Trump at the upcoming ASEAN summit. "Taxpayer money is being used to welcome someone who is complicit in oppression," he emphasized.
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