MALAYSIA: All 34 Malaysians taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission en route to Gaza, are reported safe and in high spirits despite repeated harassment from Israeli forces, including sound bomb attacks.
Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim said none of the participants were injured, though several experienced fever and seasickness.
They were treated promptly by the medical team on board.
“Alhamdulillah, their condition is not worrying. We contact them directly at 3am Malaysian time daily to ensure they remain steadfast,” he said after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) and held a video call with the volunteers.
Sani Araby praised the resilience of the Malaysian participants, describing it as proof of the spirit of universal humanitarianism.
He added that Malaysia would continue to extend full support until the mission reaches Gaza.
The mission, involving activists from over 40 countries, seeks not only to stop the war and famine but also to demand the opening of humanitarian corridors into Gaza.
Malaysia was the first nation to formally recognise the mission, with the backing of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While MAPIM had anticipated provocations from Israel, Sani Araby said the harassment began earlier than expected.
To counter misinformation, the SNCC was set up to coordinate media narratives, prevent propaganda suggesting Malaysia’s withdrawal, and ensure accurate communication with the international community.
“The SNCC operates 24 hours a day to safeguard participants, monitor crises, and ensure every incident is addressed swiftly, including arrangements to bring them home if necessary,” he said.
Drone Attacks Reported in the Mediterranean
The GSF reported that several of its boats came under attack by drones south of Greece on Wednesday (23 Sept), prompting Spain and Italy to dispatch navy vessels for possible rescue operations.
According to the GSF, at least 13 explosions were heard overnight, with “unidentified drones and communications jamming” disrupting operations.
Drones or aircraft reportedly dropped “unidentified objects” on at least 10 boats.
While no casualties were reported, damage was sustained to vessels and communications were widely disrupted.
Activists also shared video footage showing what appeared to be an explosion near one of the boats.
The flotilla, comprising about 50 vessels from dozens of countries, is carrying humanitarian aid such as food and medicine for Palestinians in Gaza.
Among the participants are lawyers, parliamentarians, activists, and Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Italy and Spain Deploy Naval Support
Italy condemned the attack and deployed the navy frigate Virginio Fasan from north of Crete to monitor the situation and carry out potential rescues.
“In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must also be protected when they are carried out in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence,” Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would also send a patrol vessel.
Speaking in New York, he emphasised: “The Spanish Government demands that international law be complied with and that the right of our citizens to navigate the Mediterranean safely be respected.”
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Israel accused flotilla organisers of having ties to Hamas, claiming the mission was intended to serve the group.
It said vessels would not be allowed to enter what it called an active combat zone or breach a lawful naval blockade.
Israel urged participants to dock at Ashkelon Marina, saying aid could then be transferred promptly to Gaza in a coordinated manner.
Flotilla organisers rejected the proposal, insisting it was not a neutral logistical request but a tactic aimed at obstructing relief efforts and delegitimising those challenging the siege.
The flotilla sails amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In August, the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) officially declared famine in the enclave.
The IPC reported that more than 514,000 people in Gaza are already facing catastrophic conditions marked by starvation, destitution, and death.
That figure is projected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September, with famine expected to spread further south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the IPC findings, calling them “an outright lie”.
He maintained that Israel does not pursue a policy of starvation, citing aid deliveries into Gaza during the war.
Since 7 October 2023, more than 65,500 Palestinians, including at least 19,424 children, have been killed, according to the latest figures from Gaza’s health authorities.
The post Malaysian volunteers reported safe despite Israeli harassment on Global Sumud Flotilla appeared first on The Online Citizen.
