ISRAELI naval forces have detained over 450 activists, including 23 Malaysians, after intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) en route to the Gaza Strip, organisers confirmed on Thursday.
The flotilla, consisting of 42 vessels, was seized in international waters in what has been described by human rights groups as an illegal and violent operation by the Israeli military.
Bernama cited Malaysian humanitarian activist Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, Chief Executive Officer of Cinta Gaza Malaysia, confirming that detainees began arriving at the Israeli port of Ashdod on Thursday.
Writing on Facebook, he said: "InshaAllah (God willing), the Sumud heroes and heroines who were captured have started arriving at the occupation port in Ashdod. GSF lawyers have started contacting them to provide legal services. At the very earliest, we will share their developments tomorrow morning. In the meantime, keep up the action!"
Al-Nuri remains offshore in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the *Jong Melayu*, an observation vessel that was not seized during the operation.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all its detained citizens are safe and in good health, and arrangements are being made to repatriate them through a third country.
Among those detained are public figures such as singer Heliza Helmi and her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah aboard the Hio vessel; Nurfarahin Romli (Farah Lee) and Danish Nazran Murad on the Grande Blu; singer Zizi Kirana on the Huga; Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis, and Sul Aidil on the Alma; and Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khiduddin and Rusydi Ramli aboard the Sirius. Others include journalist Razali Awang (Inana), influencer Ardell Aryana (Mikeno), PU Rahmat, Norhelmi Ab Ghani, Mohd Asmawi Mukhtar and Norazman Ishak (Estrella), Zainal Rashid and Ustaz Muhammad (Fair Lady), and Haroqs, Muhd Haikal Luqman Zulkefli, and Taufiq Mohd Razif (Free Willy).
Meanwhile, five Malaysian lawyers are currently based in Amman, Jordan, to ensure that the detained citizens receive fair legal representation. The team—Dir Kheizwan Kamaruddin, Fahmi Abd Moin, Azril Mohd Amin, Ahmad Nazrin Abu Bakar, and Luqman Mazlan—are coordinating with Israeli-based legal group Adalah and other international lawyers.
Adalah, a Palestinian-run legal centre in Israel, reported that deportation hearings began on Thursday at Ashdod Port without prior notice to legal representatives and in the absence of legal counsel for the detainees.
The centre condemned the process as a “serious violation of due process and denial of basic rights.” Adalah has since gained access to the detainees and is providing legal assistance.
Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim, Director-General of the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC), said a closed-door meeting with the families of detained Malaysian activists will be held to share accurate information and provide reassurance.
"In this matter, families are the main pillar of support. But they can be emotionally affected by reports that vessels have entered certain ports. It is our duty to explain the standard operating procedures and the actions currently underway," he told a press conference.
He also expressed gratitude for the nationwide support shown across Malaysian society, saying: "The prayers and support of Malaysians are a source of strength for the families and participants currently detained. We hope they remain resilient and are granted patience."
Dr Sani added that Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who serves as patron of the Sumud Nusantara initiative and Chair of ASEAN, has contacted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to initiate high-level diplomatic efforts.
"We hope Malaysia’s strong diplomatic ties with major countries will help pave the way for a constructive negotiation process that ensures the release of all detainees," he said.
Addressing criticism on social media over the risks taken by flotilla participants, Dr Sani clarified: "All participants were aware of the risks. They received training and chose to persevere. These risks are justified to defend the oppressed people of Gaza. This is not a crime; it is a humanitarian right."
He also revealed that several Malaysian ministers—including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Minister for Religious Affairs Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar—have been involved since the mission began and have been designated as “patron ministers” in this collective effort.
"We are now entering a phase of narrative warfare. Public sentiment is strongly in favour of Gaza’s liberation. God willing, we will soon enter a negotiation phase," he added.
He urged all Malaysians to participate in mass prayers and *Qunut Nazilah* at mosques nationwide on Friday as a symbol of solidarity and to pray for the safety of the detained participants and the liberation of Gaza.
The GSF mission included over 500 activists from 47 countries, including international figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, Hollywood actors Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, four Italian MPs, and Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela.
According to the flotilla’s organisers, the fleet was intercepted just 80 nautical miles from Gaza.
The International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza (ICBSG) accused Israeli forces of ramming vessels, deploying water cannons, jamming communications, and using violence during the seizure, which occurred over a 12-hour period. One ship, the Marinette, remains en route but is reportedly still far from Gaza due to earlier technical delays.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for nearly 18 years, severely restricting humanitarian access.
The GSF mission, which set sail in late August, marked the largest flotilla in years aimed at challenging the blockade.
The convoy carried essential supplies, including food and medicine, alongside a powerful message of peace and solidarity with Gaza’s civilians amid escalating Israeli bombardment, which has reportedly claimed over 66,200 Palestinian lives since October 2023, most of them women and children.
International organisations, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, had previously warned against any military action targeting the flotilla, calling for protection of civilians and humanitarian corridors into Gaza. - October 3, 2025
