Israel seizes Global Sumud Flotilla’s final vessel, Marinette
The Marinette was intercepted at 10.29am local time (0729 GMT) about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores.
NURSYAHMINA ZAINAL
SHAH ALAM - The Global Sumud Flotilla’s (GSF) last ship, the Marinette, has been intercepted by Israeli naval forces who were seen pointing their guns at volunteers on board.
According to the flotilla organisers, the Marinette was intercepted at 10.29am local time (0729 GMT) about 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza’s shores.
“Israeli naval units have unlawfully intercepted all 42 of our vessels, each carrying humanitarian supplies, volunteers and the resolve to challenge Israel’s unlawful blockade on Gaza,” the statement read.
The Marinette’s interception came just a day after Israeli forces targeted and confiscated 42 boats in the same mission, an operation that has provoked international protests and condemnation.
Witnesses reported that armed naval personnel pointed their weapons at volunteers on board during the interception.
As the largest sea convoy yet organised to bring humanitarian assistance into Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla has drawn intense global attention.
The seizure of its ships has amplified outrage across the world and sparked street demonstrations in multiple countries.
Following the interception and Malaysians being detained, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team were working closely with various stakeholders through diplomatic avenues to push for the swift release of GSF’s Malaysian participants held by Israeli forces.
“The government remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of Malaysians, while also working with Asean and global partners to guarantee the well-being of all detained volunteers,” he said on Oct 2 adding that developments would be shared with the public as negotiations progressed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla comprised 10 ships carrying 23 Malaysians along with regional and international volunteers.
Organisers stressed that the mission’s aim was purely humanitarian, seeking to break through what they called an “illegal siege” imposed on Gaza.
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