‘Coercion, intimidation’: Anwar hits out at Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla

Thirty-four Malaysians are on board the flotilla, 12 of whom were detained after Israeli forces intercepted at least 13 vessels about 70 nautical miles (130 km) from Gaza’s coast.

Anwar said the move showed Israel’s disregard “not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world.”

“I condemn in the strongest terms Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. These vessels carried unarmed civilians and life-saving humanitarian supplies for Gaza, yet they were met with intimidation and coercion,” he wrote on social media. 

He vowed to pursue legal action to free the Malaysians and hold Israel to account.

“Malaysia will use all legitimate and lawful means at our disposal to ensure that Israel is held to account, especially in matters concerning Malaysian citizens,” he said. “The safety and dignity of our people are paramount, and we will not allow them to be compromised with impunity.”

As of writing, 40 boats had been seized by Israel, with only 12 still evading its naval forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is described as the largest maritime mission of its kind, with delegates from 44 countries forming the crew. Among them is climate activist Greta Thunberg. 

The vessels are carrying humanitarian supplies, including rice, biscuits and milk powder, considered vital as international agencies warn of famine in Gaza.

In September, a United Nations (UN) commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, citing evidence it imposed destructive conditions on the Palestinian people, including blocking food and water.

Anwar’s criticism comes at a time of growing unease in Asia over Israel’s actions. At the UN General Assembly, many countries in the region reiterated support for a two-state solution.

Malaysia has long been one of Israel’s fiercest critics. Anwar has previously said his country’s position has made it a target of Israeli intelligence, and at one point Kuala Lumpur even called for Israel’s expulsion from the UN.

The Malaysian premier vowed his country would continue to stand undeterred against Israel. 

“As long as the Palestinian people are denied their fundamental rights and aspirations, Malaysia will stand unflinchingly with them,” he said. “We will not relent in demanding an end to the injustice and dispossession that have plagued Palestine for generations.”