PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA Oct 2, 2025 — Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a scathing condemnation of Israel’s naval interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla on Thursday, vowing that his government would pursue “all legitimate and lawful means” to hold Israel accountable and protect Malaysian citizens aboard the seized vessels.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X Anwar decried the boarding of the humanitarian convoy—carrying unarmed civilians, journalists, and essential supplies like medicine and food for Gaza’s beleaguered population—as a blatant act of aggression that demonstrated “utter contempt” for Palestinian rights and global conscience.
“These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” Anwar wrote, emphasizing the flotilla’s role as a symbol of “solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief for those under blockade.”
The remarks came hours after Israeli commandos boarded at least three ships from the international flotilla approximately 75 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast in international waters, detaining more than 30 activists from over 20 countries, including Swedish climate icon Greta Thunberg and seven Malaysian participants. The operation, which organizers labeled a “violent abduction” in violation of maritime law, redirected the vessels—including the Alma, Sirius, and Adara—toward Israel’s Ashdod Port for processing and likely deportation.
Anwar, whose government has been a vocal critic of Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza, reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering support for Palestinians amid the escalating humanitarian crisis, where UN reports highlight severe shortages exacerbated by ongoing conflict and aid restrictions. “As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them,” he declared. “We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations.”
The prime minister specifically addressed the plight of Malaysian nationals among the detainees, stating that “the safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.” This echoes earlier warnings from Anwar, who on September 30 had praised the flotilla volunteers’ courage and demanded unhindered access for the mission, while pledging strong protests if Israel intervened.
Anwar’s outspoken stance aligns with Malaysia’s long-standing pro-Palestinian policy, including recent parliamentary resolutions urging an end to arms sales to Israel and boycotts of companies complicit in the occupation. As the detained activists face hearings in Israel, the flotilla’s organizers vowed to persist in their “sumud”—steadfast resistance—highlighting the mission’s broader aim to challenge the blockade that human rights groups decry as collective punishment.