KUCHING, April 30 — Ten Malaysians are reported missing after Israeli forces intercepted and boarded several vessels involved in a humanitarian mission to Gaza, according to the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC).
The incident occurred early today when a group of ships under the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) mission was approached and stopped in international waters. The flotilla, which consisted of 63 vessels, was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid an ongoing crisis in the region.
SNCC director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby confirmed that 22 vessels were intercepted, affecting a total of 186 activists. Among these were six vessels carrying 10 Malaysians whose current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Malaysians have been identified as Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Osman Zolkifli, Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin, Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, Norhelmi Ab Ghani, Mohd Redzal Amzah, Muhamad Muhsin Zaidi, and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa. They were onboard different vessels, including Arkham III, Eros 1, Bianca BCN, Freia, Marea, and Esplai.
According to SNCC, the interception took place between 1 am and 11 am Malaysian time in waters near the Greek islands. The flotilla was reportedly located about 656 nautical miles from the Gaza coastline at the time, within what was described as a legitimate international shipping zone protected under maritime law.
Sani Araby alleged that Israeli forces acted aggressively during the operation, including firing warning shots and jamming radio communications. He also claimed that drones were seen hovering around the vessels, possibly conducting surveillance and interfering with navigation systems.
Efforts are now underway to determine the fate of those onboard the intercepted vessels. The last known contact with the Malaysian participants was at 8.30 am Malaysian time. SNCC is currently working to confirm whether they have been detained, instructed to turn back, or taken to another location.
In response to the situation, SNCC has advised the remaining vessels in the flotilla to move into Greek waters for safety. The organisation has also briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and relevant government officials, seeking diplomatic assistance and support from Greece and Turkiye.
The mission, organised by an international coalition, aims to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver much-needed aid to civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis. It also includes broader efforts such as legal advocacy and global solidarity campaigns.
Sani Araby said the group had anticipated possible interception but noted that the tactics used in this operation appeared different from a similar incident reported in October 2025.
He also called on Malaysians to offer prayers for the safety of those involved, expressing hope that more information will be available soon.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities and organisers closely monitoring developments as concerns grow over the safety of the missing individuals.
