ISRAELI naval forces have intercepted a convoy of humanitarian aid vessels in international waters, detaining multiple international activists — among them eight Malaysian nationals — as part of a controversial operation to block the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) from reaching Gaza.
The flotilla, consisting of multiple civilian vessels under the GSF banner, had been en route to deliver aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave when three of its ships — Alma, Sirius, and Adara — were reportedly boarded around 8.30pm Gaza time on 1 October.
Among those detained is Malaysian singer and humanitarian volunteer Zizi Kirana, who was travelling aboard the vessel Huga. In a pre-recorded video published after the flotilla’s interception, Zizi declared:
“My name is Zizi Kirana. I am a Malaysian citizen. If you are watching this video, it means I have been kidnapped against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission is peaceful, non-violent, and in full compliance with international law.”
She appealed directly to the Malaysian government, saying: “I urgently plead with the Malaysian government, especially Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to demand our immediate and unconditional release.”
Several other Malaysians on board the flotilla have since been identified among the detainees. Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli Khairudin and Rusydi Ramli were aboard the Sirius, which was seized at approximately 9.47pm local time. Meanwhile, Iylia Balqis, Musa Nuwayri and Sul Aidil were on the Alma, which was boarded shortly before at 9.44pm.
Notably, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was also confirmed to be on board the Alma and is reportedly among those detained.
The GSF has alleged that Israeli forces deliberately jammed the vessels’ communications systems during the operation to block emergency signals and live broadcasts. The group described the incident as a “clear breach of international law” and a “deliberate act of aggression against unarmed humanitarian vessels”.
In a separate incident, the vessel Florida was said to have been rammed at sea, while other ships — including Yulara, Meteque, and several more — were reportedly targeted with high-pressure water cannons. No injuries were reported, though GSF organisers have labelled the incidents as “acts of maritime aggression” and “potential war crimes”.
At approximately 4.30am Malaysian time on 2 October, several other GSF vessels — including All In, Mango, Ohwayla, Seulle, Mikeno, Meteque, Estrella Y Manuel, and Free Willy — entered a designated Red Zone approximately 66.6 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza.
By 5.14am, emergency signals had been issued by all vessels, amid further indications of interference by Israeli naval forces. CCTV livestreams appeared to show water cannon assaults targeting the convoy.
Malaysian citizens were confirmed to be aboard Estrella Y Manuel, Mikeno, and Free Willy as part of this wave of the mission.
The GSF and its regional partner, Sumud Nusantara, have condemned the actions as unlawful and are calling for urgent diplomatic intervention.
They have urged the international community, including the United Nations and regional governments, to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists and to investigate Israel’s conduct under international maritime law.
One of the vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), the Grande Blu, was also intercepted by Zionist forces in international waters at 12:58am Gaza time.
The vessel was carrying two Malaysian delegates participating in the humanitarian mission to Gaza. - October 2, 2025
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