Eight activists, including Malaysian singer Zizi Kirana, were detained by Israeli naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea during the interception of several ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza.
The arrests, which occurred around 6am Malaysian time, also included prominent human rights activist Greta Thunberg, according to a statement from Israel’s foreign ministry.
The GSF, a convoy of vessels carrying unarmed civilians and humanitarian supplies, was intercepted as it approached Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that the detained passengers were taken to a port in Israel. A video posted on the ministry’s Facebook page showed Thunberg and other detained activists in safe condition.
Communication Blackout and Distress Signals
The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) in Sepang reported losing contact with 17 of the 23 Malaysian participants aboard the flotilla. Prior to the communication blackout, Israeli forces reportedly intercepted the ships’ radio systems, with one message ominously stating, “See you in jail.” The SNCC confirmed that three GSF ships—Alma, Sirius, and Adara—were boarded by Israeli naval forces around 4:30am Malaysian time, triggering eight high-alert emergency signals.
Malaysian actress and activist Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin, known as Ardell Aryana, shared on her Instagram story that the Israeli military had jammed communications and blocked internet access since 9pm Gaza time, when her ship, Mikeno, entered the restricted R3 red zone. “I’m trying to hide my phone. Israeli forces are cutting all our internet lines… we’re trying to plug in offline. I’m just waiting for a chance to go live again. Pray for us and our friends,” she wrote.
Among the Malaysian activists on board were Musa Nuwayri, Iylia Balqis, and Sul Aidil on the Alma, and Haikal Abdullah, Muaz Zainal, Zulfadhli, and Rusydi on the Sirius. The status of these individuals remains unclear.
Malaysia Condemns Interception
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim strongly condemned Israel’s actions, describing the flotilla as a symbol of “solidarity, compassion, and the hope of relief” for Palestinians living under blockade. In a Facebook post, he criticized the interception as an act of “intimidation and coercion” that demonstrated Israel’s “utter contempt” for Palestinian rights and global humanitarian values.
Anwar vowed that Malaysia would pursue “all legitimate and lawful means” to hold Israel accountable, particularly in cases involving Malaysian citizens. “The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity,” he asserted.
Uncertain Fate of Detained Activists
Of the 23 Malaysians participating in the GSF mission, eight, including Zizi Kirana, have been confirmed arrested. The whereabouts and condition of the remaining activists are currently unknown, heightening concerns among their families and supporters in Malaysia.
The interception has sparked outrage among Malaysians, with many calling for swift action to ensure the safety and release of the detained activists. As the situation develops, the Malaysian government and the SNCC continue to monitor the crisis and advocate for the rights of those involved in the humanitarian mission.
