Malaysian activist apologises after backlash over chocolates thrown into sea during Gaza mission

Malaysian influencer and activist Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, widely known online as Haroqs, has apologised after receiving criticism for throwing chocolates into the sea while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission bound for Gaza.

A video shared through his Threads account drew widespread attention online after it showed chocolates being cast into the water during the voyage.

The act triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising it as environmentally irresponsible while others defended the intention behind the gesture.

Apology issued after backlash

In a post published on 18 May, Haroqs apologised for the incident and acknowledged criticism regarding pollution and marine life.

Translated into English, the post read: “I apologise if my act of throwing chocolates into the middle of the sea was impolite and harmful to marine life. I realise I am not a very clever person. I simply had no other choice to get chocolates to the children in Gaza.”

He added that regardless of the method used, some people would still be unhappy with his actions.

“If this is what finally opens your eyes and minds to speak up, then perhaps you were only waiting for me to make a mistake,” he wrote.

Haroqs also said he hoped God would deliver the chocolates to children in Gaza and ended the message with the phrase, “Keep going, Allah with us.”

Online debate over intentions and environmental concerns

Online reactions were divided, with users expressing a mix of support for Haroqs’ humanitarian intentions, criticism over environmental concerns, and debate over the appropriateness of symbolic actions during aid missions.

A segment of users expressed emotional and faith-driven support, interpreting the gesture as part of a wider humanitarian journey guided by religious belief and hope that the mission would succeed despite challenges.

One user wrote in a hopeful tone that not only the chocolates, but also the activist and others involved in the mission, would ultimately reach Gaza with faith and trust in God.

“Not only the chocolates will reach Gaza, Haroqs and everyone will reach Gaza too. Believe in Allah.”

Another group defended Haroqs by stressing that intentions should not be dismissed, arguing that only God can judge sincerity and that he continues to have broad support despite criticism.

One user said that true intention can only be known by God, adding that many others still stand behind Haroqs despite negative comments online.

“It’s okay Haroqs, only Allah knows your true intention. One netizen criticises him, but thousands support and understand his intentions!”

Elsewhere, criticism also emerged over the backlash itself, with some arguing that attention had been misplaced on a minor incident compared to the broader humanitarian risks faced by the flotilla mission.

One commenter urged users to avoid negativity and instead focus on prayer and support for the mission’s objectives.

“People on Threads are really toxic, there are many bigger issues that should be highlighted… Instead of focusing on chocolates, it’s better for Muslims to pray that the aid reaches there.”

On the other hand, critical responses focused on environmental concerns and rejected the idea that intention could justify the act.

One user argued that wrongdoing should not be excused and emphasised that pollution remains an issue regardless of motive.

“If it’s wrong, it’s wrong. Don’t twist it. This is a basic issue about pollution. It doesn’t matter what your intention is.”

Other users questioned the practicality of the act, suggesting that the chocolates would likely be lost or damaged in the sea and would not serve any meaningful humanitarian purpose.

One commenter criticised the logic behind the gesture, arguing that the items would not reach recipients and questioning why alternative forms of aid were not considered.

“No, the issue is whether you thought logically—if you throw all those chocolates, they will just get into the water or sink? Why not just donate the money…”

Some commenters took a more mixed stance, expressing support for the Gaza-bound mission while still criticising the symbolic nature of the act, describing it as unnecessary and environmentally irresponsible.

One commenter said they supported the Sumud mission but felt the act reflected poor judgment and could harm perceptions of the wider humanitarian effort.

Latest development on Global Sumud Flotilla

According to recent reports, four Malaysian participants are still listed as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission continuing its voyage towards Gaza.

They are Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, also known as Haroqs, and Chin aboard the vessel Alcyone, Syed Amirul on Don Juan, and Dr. Thanisah on Zefiro.

Israeli naval forces have since completed a two-day interception operation targeting vessels in the flotilla, according to organisers.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla stated that the final remaining boat, Lina al-Nablusi, was also intercepted in international waters, with those on board taken by Israeli forces.

Earlier, live tracking from the Global Sumud Flotilla showed multiple vessels, including Alcyone, Don Juan and Zefiro, being boarded at sea by Israeli forces roughly 90 to 100 miles from the Gaza coastline.

Organisers said communications and onboard cameras were disrupted during the operation.

Organisers have called for the release of those detained, while updates on the status of all participants remain ongoing.