GSF Flotilla Expected To Enter Red Zone Near Gaza Tonight - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission currently sailing in international waters is expected to enter the R3 red zone, about 100 nautical miles from Gaza, at 9 pm tonight (Malaysian time), says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said reports from the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) informed that the flotilla, which was now in the yellow zone, also faced a tense situation at 8.45 am today (Malaysian time) when approached by a vessel believed to belong to the Israeli Zionist regime.

“The boats in the GSF are expected to enter the red zone within a few hours from now, and the presence of the vessel believed to belong to the Israeli Zionist regime is concerning,” he said at the weekly press conference here today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said about 10 drones were also detected hovering over the flotilla, but so far, no physical interception had taken place, and the flotilla delegation remained on alert with full preparedness.

He said that if their boats were intercepted and communication cut off, several measures had been prepared and would be activated according to procedure.

“The movement (of the GSF mission) is being broadcast live via closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed on the vessels for the world to watch in the event of any incident.

“We pray for the success of this GSF mission and for the safety of all participants. We must continue to help build the narrative in support of peace in Gaza and also ensure this effort achieves success,” he said.

He said that apart from the two GSF groups already in the yellow zone, there was also a third group involving a Malaysian team that was on its way and would depart from Greece to Gaza soon.

“With the third wave (group) for GSF, the number of Malaysian participants will be larger. So, for their families here (in Malaysia), assistance will be provided, and if anything happens, the government will certainly provide immediate assistance for the participants,” he said.

Fahmi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had visited the SNCC yesterday and informed that several forms of assistance had been arranged, including for the families of the 34 Malaysian participants.

Asked about Malaysia’s stance regarding the latest peace framework proposed by the United States on Gaza, Fahmi said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be issuing an official statement on the matter.

A total of 34 Malaysians have joined the GSF mission, which involves activists from 45 countries sailing to Gaza to break the blockade on the territory.

The flotilla had earlier faced various obstacles, including drone attacks.

Malaysia became the first country to recognise the mission through the support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The GSF voyage across the Mediterranean Sea carries food, medicine and a message of peace, urging an end to war and famine while also demanding the opening of a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

-- BERNAMA