GSF: No Malaysians On Marinette Vessel

SEPANG, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) confirmed that no Malaysians were on the last ship sailing under the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission, the Marinette, which was intercepted by the Israeli military at 3.30 pm (Malaysian time) today.

Its director-general, Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the ship was carrying six international activists, namely three from Turkiye and one each from Oman, Germany and Australia.

He said the observation ship Shireen was also reported to have safely docked at the port of Paphos, Cyprus at 3.40 pm (Malaysian time) today.

“This ship provides legal and medical services to all participants of the flotilla throughout the voyage,” he said at a press conference here tonight.

"This ship was also given the role of following the flotilla from the beginning until the end, but the observation ships will continue their journey and end in Cyprus."

International media previously reported that naval forces seized 41 ships carrying approximately 400 participants as they sailed towards Gaza in a 12-hour operation before all the flotilla's ships were towed to Ashdod Port in southern Israel.

The GSF fleet, carrying various humanitarian aid items including medical supplies, has been sailing since late August.

Regarding the situation of the GSF activists from Malaysia who are currently detained by the Israeli authorities, Sany Araby said that lawyers, from the Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (ADALAH), who are currently in Ashdod have been in contact with all of them, and they are safe.

He said the families of the Malaysian delegation were also invited to attend the SNCC this afternoon for a briefing session and to receive the latest updates on the mission.

He also emphasised that as long as Gaza remains under siege, denied its rights, and facing starvation, the wave of international solidarity will continue and will not be limited to the second or third phase of the flotilla.

“This is a very strong unity, not only from humanitarian activists but also evident through political pressure at the international level, including at the UN (United Nations). The global landscape is getting hotter as some countries like Colombia continue to take the necessary actions," he said.

According to him, the ongoing conflict has also seen major powers like the United Kingdom become embroiled in the modern political machinations that have been taking place for the past 75 years.

Meanwhile, he called on Malaysians to continue praying, uniting, and supporting the mission as it is a joint humanitarian mission.

"SNCC also expresses its deepest gratitude to the Yang di-Pertua Agong Sultan Ibrahim (King of Malaysia) for his concern for the Malaysian delegation participating in the Sumud Nusantara and GSF missions," he added.

-- BERNAMA