Malaysia Condemns Drone Attack On Gaza-Bound Flotilla , Calls It Cowardly And Inhumane

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- 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.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said 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.

“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 said during a post-Cabinet meeting press conference today.

Nevertheless, Fahmi confirmed that no Malaysian activists were harmed in the drone strike and that all Malaysians involved in the mission are safe in Tunisia.

“I have received confirmation from Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby Al-Kahery, who is currently in Tunisia and serves as Director of the Sumud Nusantara Media Coordination Centre. He has assured us that no Malaysian delegates were affected by the incident,” Fahmi said.

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.

“The Ministry of Communications will provide the necessary support, especially in relation to the media coordination efforts led by MAPIM,” he added.

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 (Rahmat Ikhsan).  A second group of 15 Malaysian activists, including social media influencers Farah Lee and ZRA Strim (Zainal Rashid Ahmad), is also involved.

The humanitarian flotilla seeks to draw international attention and pressure governments around the world 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.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a statement strongly condemning Israeli aggression. This attack is not only unacceptable, but also a deliberate attempt to derail mediation and peace negotiations currently underway to end the genocide in Gaza,” he said.

On Tuesday, Qatari news agency QNA reported that Israel had targeted a residential building in Doha that housed 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.

-- BERNAMA