What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why are Malaysians taking part?
Explaining the Global Sumud Flotilla and its risks
In recent weeks, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has dominated headlines in Malaysia, following the news that 34 Malaysians, including prominent public figures, joined the civilian-led mission to deliver aid to Gaza. While the mission has inspired admiration, it has also raised questions.
This explainer breaks down the GSF’s purpose, history and risks, as well as Malaysia’s role in the mission.
What is the Global Sumud Flotilla?
The GSF is a civil society-led maritime mission that began in mid-2025. The name 'sumud' is an Arabic word meaning 'steadfastness' or 'resilience'.
Its official goal is to "break the Gaza blockade, deliver humanitarian aid and establish a people-led humanitarian corridor."
The GSF builds on previous flotilla efforts, particularly those after 2010. This 2025 mission is a larger, coordinated effort that involves several international movements, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Sumud Nusantara, the Southeast Asian arm of the initiative.
The mission comprises over 40 vessels and approximately 500 participants from 44 countries, making it one of the largest civilian flotilla missions to date.
What aid is being delivered to Gaza?
The flotilla's purpose is humanitarian and non-violent. Organisers state that it is delivering food, medicine and medical equipment, along with messages of solidarity.
Previous flotilla efforts carried as much as 45 tonnes of supplies from Europe.
While at sea, flotilla vessels reported multiple incidents of harassment, including drone strikes, explosions, communications jamming and aerial intimidation, which organisers have vowed to present as evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as "war crimes at sea."
Why are Malaysians taking part?
Volunteers on the flotilla are aware that previous missions were boarded and blocked by Israeli forces, but many consider their participation a moral duty. For them, the mission is not only about delivering aid but also about breaking the silence around Gaza's blockade.
Organisers stated that they are exercising the principle of freedom of navigation under UNCLOS Article 87, while arguing that Israel's blockade is unlawful under international law.
In Malaysia, public sympathy for Palestine runs deep, with strong political and civil society support. Many participants view their involvement as both an act of solidarity and an expression of Malaysia's long-standing stance on Palestinian rights.
Latest developments and Malaysia's response
As of today, Israeli naval forces have intercepted at least 13 flotilla vessels attempting to reach Gaza, claiming they violated its naval blockade and entered a combat zone.
Among those detained were high-profile figures, including activist Greta Thunberg.
Plus, 12 Malaysians were also detained and transported to Israeli ports. Organisers condemned the operation as unlawful and pledged to escalate legal proceedings at the ICC.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the flotilla, stating: “Free them immediately. Do not act cruelly and unjustly towards Malaysian and international activists and volunteers."
He added that Malaysia will "use all legitimate and lawful means to hold Israel accountable over the detention of Malaysians.”
Malaysia has since intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its detained citizens and emphasied that those on board were unarmed civilians delivering humanitarian relief.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is both humanitarian and political.
While its immediate goal is to deliver aid, its broader purpose is symbolic: to challenge the Gaza blockade, mobilize global awareness, and push for accountability under international law. For Malaysia, the mission reflects not only solidarity with Gaza but also the risks its citizens are willing to bear for a cause they consider.
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