FFC: Anwar condemns Israeli interception of aid flotilla, demands immediate release of Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned Israel’s latest interception of two humanitarian vessels carrying aid to Gaza and and demanded the immediate release of Malaysian citizens detained in the incident.

Anwar described the act as provocative and unlawful, saying it violated international law and fundamental human rights.

“The detention of humanitarian vessels carrying aid for the people of Gaza is inhumane and contravenes the fundamental principles of human rights and the dignity of humanity as a whole."

“I demand the immediate release of all Malaysian activists and volunteers, that they be given proper protection, and that no harm come to them while they are in detention,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He said the government would take all necessary steps to safeguard the lives of Malaysians involved and work with other nations and international organisations to ensure their swift release.

All nine vessels from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens To Gaza (TMTG) missions were reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters at about 10.50 a.m. Malaysian time