Malaysia condemns Israeli interception of Gaza flotilla carrying 16 Malaysians
Malaysia has condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 bound for Gaza, calling for the immediate release of more than 100 detained activists, including 16 Malaysians participating in the humanitarian mission.
- Malaysia condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla and detention of activists.
- Sixteen Malaysians were among more than 100 activists detained during the operation in international waters.
- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called the interception a violation of international law and human rights.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia strongly condemns the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) bound for Gaza by the Israeli Zionist regime, as well as the detention of more than 100 activists, including 16 Malaysians, involved in the peaceful humanitarian mission.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a Facebook post on 18 May 2026, said Malaysia demands guarantees for the safety of all activists involved and their immediate release.
He described the interception of Gaza humanitarian flotilla by Israeli as "barbaric"
“This outrageous act by the evil regime against a humanitarian aid mission not only violates human rights and international law, but also reflects the Zionist regime’s ruthlessness in blocking humanitarian assistance, silencing humanitarian voices and oppressing anyone who rises to defend and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.
Anwar stressed that the world could not continue to bow to the cruelty and atrocities committed by the Zionist regime.
“The oppression against the Palestinian people and those delivering humanitarian aid must stop immediately, and Israel must face justice and accountability,” he said.
The number of Malaysians participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission detained by the Israeli military has risen to 16.
The latest development as of 7.05pm was shared through a live broadcast aired at the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) Malaysia operations centre here.
All 16 Malaysians were aboard nine vessels, which were part of the 15 reportedly intercepted and boarded by the Zionist regime.
SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the 15 flotilla vessels intercepted by the Israeli military in the operation were Cactus, Zio Faster, Holy Blue, Ferluto, Kyriakos, Amanda, Blue Toys, Barbaris, Isobella, Josef, Tenaz, Bianca Ita, Abodes, Gotico and Themis, all of which were part of the Freedom Flotilla.
Currently, 37 flotilla vessels carrying another 13 Malaysians are continuing their journey towards Gaza, despite facing high security risks following threats of interception and continued aggressive action by the Israeli military.
Earlier, Pro-Palestinian activists accused
Israeli forces have intercepted a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid for Gaza in international waters west of Cyprus.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said its fleet was boarded in what it called "another illegal, high-seas aggression" about 250 nautical miles (460km) from Gaza, which is under an Israeli maritime blockade. Its video stream showed commandos climbing onto several boats.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid was "effectively neutralizing a malicious plan designed to break the isolation we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza".
Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete.
In that incident, 181 activists on board were detained, all but two of whom were released on the Greek island the next day following widespread international condemnation.
Spanish national Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Ávila were taken back to Israel for questioning and deported after spending 10 days in custody.
The flotilla's remaining boats then sailed to the Turkish port of Marmaris, where 54 boats departed last Thursday and headed south-east towards Gaza. More than 460 activists from 45 countries were said to be taking part.
