YWF Malaysia Statement on Detention of Global Sumud Flotilla
- Amirul Haikal
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
The Young World Federalists – Malaysia registers its strongest protest at the detention of Malaysian citizens and other international volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society mission to deliver food, medicine and other essentials to civilians in Gaza. The mission carried the hope of humanity. It sailed to help families who have endured years of blockade and repeated hostilities, not to engage in any military activity. Volunteers carried no weapons. They brought food, medicine, clothing and medical supplies.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, launched in mid-2025, brings together more than four hundred activists from diverse national, cultural and religious backgrounds, with support from organisations such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Movement to Gaza, the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla and Sumud Nusantara. Vessels departed from ports in Europe and North Africa, including Genoa, Barcelona, Tunis and Catania. The message was clear. Break the maritime blockade. Open a humanitarian corridor free of political obstruction so that impartial relief can reach civilians.
On 1 October, as the flotilla neared what organisers call the red zone, about one hundred nautical miles from Gaza, multiple vessels were intercepted. Malaysia’s authorities confirm that twenty-three Malaysians are detained, including humanitarian activists, media practitioners and volunteers, with numbers subject to change. Whatever the precise sequence, obstructing impartial aid and detaining humanitarian volunteers are deeply troubling events. International humanitarian law requires parties to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of relief to civilians, subject only to controls that do not hinder the aid.
We honour those who sailed and the families waiting for news. Criminalising peaceful relief work erodes the norms that protect civilians and corrodes prospects for genuine peace. When people carrying food and medicine are treated as criminals, our shared aspiration for global unity is weakened. The world must not remain silent.
Dr Amirul Haikal, Honorary Doctor of Divinity and an organiser with YWF Malaysia, witnessed live broadcasts in the early hours of 2 October Malaysia time. In his words, “I saw firsthand the atrocities committed by the Israeli government against the Global Sumud Flotilla mission. All 23 Malaysians have been confirmed detained.” He has called on all relevant authorities to take firm action to rescue those detained, Malaysian and international alike. Humanity must be protected, not persecuted.
We acknowledge the efforts of the Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Wisma Putra to mobilise international partners to secure the release of Malaysian detainees and to press for safe, reliable channels for aid delivery. The Prime Minister has noted discussions with the Presidents of Türkiye and Egypt and the Prime Minister of Qatar, as well as contact with the United States Secretary of State, to seek immediate intervention. Malaysia will not remain silent when the rights and dignity of our people are at stake. Diplomacy must now be matched with clarity of principle and urgency of action.
Accordingly, YWF Malaysia calls for the following:
Immediate release and consular access. All detained volunteers, including Malaysians, must be released without delay, with full consular access, medical care and the ability to communicate with families until departure.
Diplomatic action. The Government of Malaysia, through Wisma Putra, should utilise every available channel, including ASEAN, the OIC and the United Nations, to secure release and safe repatriation, and to protect humanitarian corridors at sea and on land.
Protection and recognition of humanitarian missions. States and international organisations should affirm that bona fide humanitarian relief is a protected activity and must not be criminalised or obstructed.
Humanitarian access. All parties should allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial relief to civilians in need, applying only those controls that do not defeat the purpose of the aid.
Independent and impartial inquiry. There should be an investigation into the interceptions and detentions, including where the interdictions occurred, the treatment of detainees and the handling of humanitarian cargo, with public reporting and remedies.
Condemnation of brutality. We condemn actions that oppress the Palestinian people and punish those who seek to assist them, and we call on states and international organisations to speak clearly and act to prevent a repeat.
Humanity cannot be imprisoned, and solidarity cannot be silenced. We stand with the people of Palestine and with volunteers worldwide who risk their safety to uphold human dignity. This injustice must be stopped. The world cannot remain silent in the face of blatant violations of human rights. We call for the unification of humanitarian voices, stronger diplomatic pressure and the pursuit of true justice.
