The Malaysian government is demanding the swift and unconditional release of all activists from the Sumud humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, including twelve Malaysian nationals, the country's Foreign Ministry stated.
“Malaysia strongly condemns the criminal and cowardly acts of aggression by Israeli forces against the Sumud flotilla,” the ministry declared in a post on X. “Malaysia demands the immediate and unconditional release of all activists, humanitarian workers, and crew members, including the 12 Malaysians, and their vessels, as well as the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that Kuala Lumpur will employ all diplomatic channels to secure the prompt release of its citizens. “We will use every diplomatic avenue to resolve the situation with the detained Malaysians to ensure their freedom and swift return home,” he told The Star.
The Sumud flotilla—whose name translates from Arabic as “steadfastness” or “resistance”—departed from the coast of Tunisia in mid-September. Comprising over 40 vessels from various nations, it carried Swedish rights activist Greta Thunberg aboard one ship. The mission aimed to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the affected population.
Israeli authorities have repeatedly stated they will not permit the vessels to approach Gaza's coast, citing the naval blockade due to ongoing hostilities in the Palestinian enclave. Israel offered the flotilla activists the option to transfer their humanitarian cargo to the Israeli port of Ashkelon—nearest to Gaza—or to a port in another country, from where aid could subsequently be delivered to the strip. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, activists rejected all such proposals.
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Based on materials from TASS