SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has condemned Israel for detaining Malaysian volunteers aboard the Gaza Sumud Flotilla (GSF) convoy vessels, calling it a clear breach of international maritime law.
Amirudin said 10 volunteers were detained as at 7.40am today after Israeli forces attacked the convoy with water cannon and illegally boarded their vessels in international waters.
“Israel’s use of water cannon and illegal boarding of the ship is wrong under international maritime law. I condemn this cowardly act in the strongest terms and urge that all detained volunteers be released immediately,” he posted on Facebook today.
The GSF is a humanitarian mission in which activists from across the world are transporting critical aid to Gaza, which remains under an Israeli siege.
Earlier, several Malaysian volunteers who were part of the GSF missions released SOS videos indicating they had been held by Israeli forces.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim similarly condemned Israel’s move, saying the flotilla, which carries unarmed civilians and humanitarian supplies for Gaza, was met with intimidation and coercion.
“By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” he said on Facebook.
Anwar said the flotilla symbolised solidarity, compassion, and hope for those living under blockade in Palestine’s Gaza, adding that Malaysia would use all legitimate means to hold Israel accountable.
“The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity,” he said.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s steadfast support for Palestine.
“As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them.”
