World

Flotilla participants to Gaza told to sleep with passports as yellow zone crossed

Social media personality and humanitarian activist Farah Lee reports growing tension aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) as participants are ordered to sleep with their passports in hand, anticipating potential Israeli interception 400 nautical miles from Gaza

Updated 11 months ago · Published on 30 Sep 2025 4:38PM

Flotilla participants to Gaza told to sleep with passports as yellow zone crossed
The "yellow zone" — a high-risk maritime area historically associated with Israeli naval interceptions of humanitarian flotillas - September 30, 2025

MALAYSIAN activist and media personality Farah Lee has revealed that all participants aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) bound for Gaza have been instructed to sleep with their passports in hand as they edge closer to dangerous waters.

“We were told to sleep with our passports starting last night and to prepare ourselves for any possible attacks by Israel,” said Farah, whose real name is Nurfarahin Romli.

She shared the update after the GSF crossed into what is known as the "yellow zone" — a high-risk maritime area historically associated with Israeli naval interceptions of humanitarian flotillas attempting to reach Gaza.

“Farah feels excited, nervous, sad and emotional — it’s hard to describe. It feels like Gaza is so near,” she said in a video message.

“Based on history and past flotilla missions, most attacks happened in the yellow zone. We hope we can reach Gaza safely.”

The flotilla is carrying vital food and medical supplies intended for Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing blockade. The latest update places the mission 400 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores.

Farah appealed to Malaysians and the international community for continued prayers and support.

“Don’t forget to pray for Gaza, for Palestine, and for all who are oppressed around the world. They need our prayers. Please share, repost, and do what you can in your own capacity,” she urged.

She also reflected on the spiritual significance of their mission:

“The question is — will our names be among those chosen to help liberate Al-Aqsa, as promised by Allah in the Qur’an? We hope our efforts today will be our ticket to that honour.”

She ended her message on a heartfelt note: “Hopefully we’ll meet again when I return safely to Malaysia — and I can eat nasi dagang with colek nisang.”

Meanwhile, the Sumud Nusantara Control Centre (SNCC) estimates that the GSF will enter the designated "red zone" — considered the most dangerous part of the journey — by 7pm (Malaysian time) on Wednesday.

SNCC Director-General Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim confirmed that the secretariat is on high alert.

“We are prepared for all possibilities during this voyage. Reaching this far into the yellow zone is already a moral victory, not just for Malaysia but globally,” he said.

The GSF mission is part of an international effort to break the Israeli blockade and deliver critical humanitarian aid directly to Gaza. - September 30, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

Documents reveal British royal charity attempted to ‘doctor’ evidence in SLAPP action

Malaysia

MMA asks why FDS aircraft cannot match those used by ministers

Malaysia

Penang-born woman dies in Perth after alleged domestic violence assault

Malaysia

No senior UMNO leaders to be arrested after PAU – MACC

Malaysia

Hng’s 31-year Gerakan exit puts focus on political direction

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Man held after social media claim he solicited alms while carrying parang

Malaysia

Volcanic escalation on Java a threat of potential regional chaos

Malaysia

Anwar surprised by Najib's new pardon attempt

You may be interested

World

Five dead, 87 missing after ferry fire off Palawan

World

Iran-US war escalates with attacks on 10 ships near Strait of Hormuz

World

Magnitude 4.1 tremor hits southern Lebanon after Israeli blasts target Hezbollah tunnels

World

Trump promises US$5,000 dividend if Republicans win Congress

World

August ties world record for hottest month as global heat tops 1.5°C

World

China-India put aside struggles to revive business ties despite diplomatic rapprochement

World

UK to force Apple, Google to block children from taking and sharing nude images

World

Liquidators file S$1.3b damages claim against DBS over alleged 1MDB funds