Pakistan, Malaysia Demand Release of Activists Detained in Gaza Aid Flotilla Raid

Pakistan and Malaysia have strongly condemned Israel’s attack on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, calling for the “immediate” release of activists and volunteers detained during the raid.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denounced the assault in the “strongest terms,” vowing to pursue all legal avenues to hold Israel accountable, particularly as Malaysian citizens were among those apprehended.

“This humanitarian mission carried unarmed civilians and vital aid for Gaza. The government will do everything possible to secure the release of Malaysian citizens,” Anwar stated on X. He added that blocking the flotilla amounted to trampling on the conscience of the global community and reaffirmed Malaysia’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, describing it as a “dastardly attack” and urging Israel to free the detained activists. “This barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need,” Sharif said.

The flotilla, made up of more than 40 vessels with over 500 volunteers from around 40 countries, was intercepted by the Israeli navy on Wednesday about 80 nautical miles from Gaza. Organizers reported that nine ships were attacked, with one rammed, while still in international waters.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it had detained “several boats” and transferred passengers to an Israeli port, labeling the fleet the “Hamas Flotilla.”

For nearly 18 years, Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, worsening humanitarian conditions for the enclave’s 2.4 million residents. Rights groups and the UN have repeatedly warned that the siege has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, with starvation and disease spreading rapidly. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.