Malaysian PM urges release of Gaza Global Sumud Flotilla activists detained by Israel

Kuala Lumpur — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday urged the immediate release of all activists aboard the Gaza Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian flotilla that were detained by Israel. “I am working closely with leaders of friendly countries to ensure all activists detained by the Zionist regime of Israel are released at once,” Anwar said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur on 19 May. He emphasised that Malaysia demands that the activists are not subjected to cruel treatment, have their human rights denied, or face inhumane actions. According to Anwar, the activists were simply voices for peace and humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people. Earlier, he condemned the detention of more than 100 humanitarian activists on the mission. He argued that the actions against the humanitarian mission violate not only human rights and international law, but also demonstrate the arbitrariness of the Zionist regime of Israel. Anwar added that the operation involved cutting off relief access, silencing humanitarian voices, and oppressing those who defend the Palestinian people. He noted that more than 100 Global Sumud Flotilla activists were detained, 16 of whom are Malaysian citizens who joined the peace mission. Anwar stressed that the world must not continue to bow to oppression. “The oppression of the Palestinian people and of those who bring humanitarian aid must stop immediately,” he said, adding that Israel must be held accountable for its actions.