In a heartbreaking development, what was intended as a peaceful humanitarian voyage has turned into an international crisis. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising 10 ships and carrying aid destined for the besieged people of Gaza, was intercepted in the red zone of the Mediterranean Sea by the Israeli navy. Among those on board were 23 Malaysian volunteers, activists, and public figures determined to stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
As of 1 PM Malaysia time, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) has confirmed that 12 Malaysians have been detained, including high-profile names such as Heliza Helmi, her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah Helmi, Norfarahin Romli (Farah Lee), Danish Nazram Murad, and Zizi Kirana. Others detained include Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khairudin, Rusydi Ramli, Iylia Balqis, Musa Nuwayri, and Sul Aidil.
Their vessels—Hio, Grande Blu, Huga, Sirius, and Alma—were among those intercepted after entering the R3 red zone, approximately 100 nautical miles from Gaza’s coastline.
Worse still, five Malaysians aboard the Estrella and Mikeno vessels have reportedly lost contact with mission command, with their whereabouts currently unknown. Three ships—Fair Lady, Free Willy, and Inana—have maintained communication and continue their course, carrying brave Malaysians like Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Ustaz Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, Dr Taufiq Mohd Razif, and Razali Awang.
Communication disruptions—allegedly caused by Israeli radar jammers and aggressive tactics such as radio interference, high-pressure water sprays, and chilling messages like “See you in jail”—underscored the psychological warfare at play. The Israeli navy is believed to have deployed its elite Sayeret Matkal unit to board and detain flotilla participants, sparking global outrage.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim swiftly denounced the actions of the Israeli regime, calling them a blatant disregard for humanitarian principles and international law. “This flotilla represents solidarity, compassion, and hope,” he stated passionately. “Israel’s aggression is an insult not only to Palestine but to humanity itself.”
In a press briefing, SNCC Director-General Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim confirmed that all detained Malaysians are believed to be safe and that communication continues with several crew members. While rerouting orders from the Israeli military have added confusion, the Malaysian delegation remains unshaken in their mission.
“We stand firm. This is not just aid—it’s a message to the world that we see the suffering, and we refuse to be silent,” he said.
