PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia has lodged a strong protest against the interception and detention of 16 Malaysians by Israeli forces after a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza was reportedly seized in international waters near Cyprus.
The Prime Minister confirmed the diplomatic protest after attending the National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony in Bukit Jalil, describing the incident as a serious violation of humanitarian principles and international law.
“We have lodged a strong protest,” Anwar said briefly when asked about the detention of the Malaysian activists.
The 16 Malaysians were among more than 100 international activists participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 humanitarian mission aimed at delivering solidarity and humanitarian assistance to Gaza amid the continuing conflict in the Palestinian territory.
According to reports, Israeli forces intercepted several vessels involved in the convoy after the flotilla approached waters near Cyprus en route to Gaza.
Head of the Sumud Nusantara Operations Centre Malaysia, Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, said the Malaysians were travelling aboard nine vessels that formed part of a larger 15-ship flotilla allegedly intercepted and boarded by Israeli authorities.
Among the Malaysians detained were Zainal Rashid Ahmad aboard the Amanda vessel; Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi on the Isobella; Mohammad Shazly Mohammad Shees and Tengku Ahmad Taufik Tengku Noor Zahari aboard the Cactus; as well as S Patmanathan, Syakirin Muhamed Senin and Muhammad Amirul Afif Mohd Azhar aboard the Ferluto.
Another Malaysian identified as Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman was reportedly detained aboard the Josef vessel.
Anwar had earlier condemned the Israeli operation, accusing the Zionist regime of acting aggressively against an international humanitarian mission intended to support civilians in Gaza.
He said the interception not only violated international law and basic human rights principles but also reflected what he described as the continued brutality of the Israeli regime.
The flotilla mission was organised as part of ongoing international efforts to challenge restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza and to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians affected by the prolonged conflict in the region. - May 19, 2026
