KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned Israel’s interception of two more humanitarian aid vessels carrying Malaysian nationals to Gaza, describing the action as illegal and inhumane.

In a Facebook statement, Anwar said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens To Gaza (TMTG) ships were “unlawfully intercepted in international waters by Israeli Zionist forces” at about 10.50am Malaysian time today.

“I strongly condemn this provocative act, which violates international law,” he said. 

“The interception of a humanitarian vessel carrying aid for the people of Gaza is inhumane and an affront to the fundamental principles of human rights and universal human dignity.”

He urged for the “immediate release of all Malaysian activists and volunteers”, saying they must be given proper protection and “not be harmed during their detention”.

Anwar said the Madani government would do “everything in its power to safeguard the lives of every Malaysian involved in this humanitarian mission”, adding that Malaysia would work with partner nations and international organisations “to facilitate their swift release”.

The incident follows Israel’s earlier interception of the Gaza Solidarity Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian convoy on October 2, during which 42 ships were detained and 495 activists arrested — including 23 Malaysians. They were released in stages beginning October 4.

All 27 Malaysian volunteers, including four individuals from the observation ship and five lawyers who were part of the mission, have since returned home. Their Emirates flight EK342 landed safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 last night.

 Malay Mail – Malaysia