PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his prayers and hopes for the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a civilian-led humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, currently sailing through international waters near Greece.
In a message posted to Facebook, Anwar described the mission as a beacon of hope for Palestinians enduring prolonged oppression under Israeli occupation.
“Doa tulus daripada seluruh masyarakat mengiringi misi pelayaran kemanusiaan GSF. Semoga usaha ini menjadi sinar harapan rakyat Gaza yang sedang diuji dan menjadi saksi kepada kesatuan nurani kemanusiaan sejagat,” he wrote.
The flotilla, comprising over 1,000 volunteers aboard nearly 70 vessels, is carrying food, medical supplies and a message of peace across the Mediterranean, with the aim of reaching Gaza by the end of the month.
According to Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, founder of Cinta Salam Malaysia and one of the participants, the flotilla is currently entering a crucial phase as it converges with other participating vessels ahead of its approach to Palestinian waters.
The GSF brings together international civil society from Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Africa. All delegations have committed to non-violence, positioning the mission as a peaceful act of solidarity with Palestinians under siege.
Despite growing international support, Israel has labelled the mission a “security threat”, prompting concerns over possible interception or forceful measures.
In a statement issued today, the GSF rejected such accusations as baseless rhetoric aimed at legitimising Israeli aggression.
“The humanitarian mission, led by civilians, should be protected under international law. Any interference constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions,” the statement read.
It went on to condemn Israel’s attempts to criminalise humanitarian aid, saying: “This rhetoric aligns with Israel’s broader efforts to misrepresent humanitarian action as illegal, thereby justifying excessive force against volunteers.”
The flotilla also reported that unidentified drones had been tailing the convoy, fuelling anxiety among participants.
GSF maintains that its mission to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza is fully protected under international law. The statement reiterated that Gaza retains sovereignty over its maritime boundaries and that civilian aid vessels have the right to navigate those waters.
“This principle is further reinforced by rulings from the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Israel to facilitate humanitarian access and refrain from obstruction,” the statement added.
“Israel’s attempt to label this mission as unlawful is a calculated effort to distort international law and deflect from its own war crimes. The world must reject this falsehood and stand in defence of humanitarian efforts, protecting the more than 500 volunteers on this mission to break the grip of genocide and occupation in Gaza.” - September 23, 2025
