Malaysian PM Condemns Israel's Interception of Gaza aid Flotilla, Vows All Lawful Action

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has condemned in the strongest terms Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), saying the act targeted unarmed civilians and vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He said the flotilla, which carried life-saving supplies, was instead met with intimidation and coercion by Israeli forces.

"By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.

"The flotilla embodied solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief for those under blockade," he said in a Facebook post Thursday.

Anwar stressed that Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at its disposal to ensure that Israel is held accountable, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens.

"The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.

"As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them. We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations," he said.

So far, no injuries have been reported. However, the GSF delegation remains steadfast in its mission, vowing to continue despite increasingly aggressive Israeli actions.

As of 4.30 am (Malaysian time), the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) confirmed that three GSF ships -- Alma, Sirius and Adara -- had been boarded by Israeli naval forces.

This was followed by the boarding of Huga, Grande Blu, and Hio, with about 17 Malaysian volunteers losing contact with SNCC.

As of 8 am, SNCC vessel data showed that 13 high-alert emergency signals had been activated during the incident.

In a separate post, the Prime Minister urged the immediate release of all Malaysian and international activists and volunteers.

"The government will do its best to secure the release of Malaysians in detention," he said.

The 17 Malaysians reported to have lost contact with SNCC include singer Heliza Helmi and her sister, Nur Hazwani Afiqah, who were aboard Hio; Nurfarahin Romli and Danish Nazran Murad (Grande Blu); singer Zizi Kirana (Huga); Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis and Sul Aidil (Alma); as well as Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin and Rusydi Ramli (Sirius).

-- BERNAMA