Malaysia: Malaysia has strongly condemned the drone attack on a lead vessel of the Gaza-bound humanitarian Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in Tunisia, denouncing the strike as a cowardly act and a blatant violation of international law.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, stated that the attack on the ship, known as the Family Boat, carrying humanitarian activists, was clearly intended to intimidate and undermine the peaceful mission aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The minister emphasized, “This was a cowardly and inhumane act, in direct contravention of international law and universal values. It is also an attempt to hinder, intimidate, and weaken a peaceful initiative meant to deliver a message of solidarity from the international community to the people of Palestine, especially those suffering in Gaza.” He made these remarks during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.
Fahmi confirmed that no Malaysian activists were harmed in the drone strike and that all Malaysians involved in the mission are safe in Tunisia. He mentioned receiving assurance from Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby Al-Kahery, Director of the Sumud Nusantara Media Coordination Centre, who confirmed the safety of Malaysian delegates.
To support the ongoing mission, the minister announced that the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) and Cinta Gaza Malaysia would activate the Malaysia Flotilla Mission Media Coordination Centre at MAPIM’s Central Warehouse in Sepang. He noted that the Ministry of Communications would provide necessary support for media coordination efforts led by MAPIM.
The GSF, carrying food supplies, medicine, and messages of peace, is expected to reach Gaza’s waters by mid-September after sailing across the Mediterranean. Among the Malaysian participants in the mission are local celebrities Zizi Kirana and Ardell Aryana, along with preacher PU Rahmat. A second group of 15 Malaysian activists, including social media influencers Farah Lee and ZRA Strim, is also involved.
The humanitarian flotilla aims to draw international attention and pressure governments worldwide to hold Israel accountable, stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in urgent need.
In a related development, Fahmi also condemned the latest Israeli airstrikes on Doha, Qatar. He mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had issued a statement strongly condemning Israeli aggression, describing the attack as unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to derail mediation and peace negotiations to end the genocide in Gaza.
Qatari news agency QNA reported on Tuesday that Israel had targeted a residential building in Doha housing members of Hamas’ political bureau. Qatar denounced the strike as a flagrant violation of international laws and norms and warned it posed a serious threat to the safety of Qatari citizens and other residents.