Malaysia Demands Immediate Release Of Humanitarian Gaza-Bound Flotilla Volunteers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all volunteers involved in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens To Gaza (TMTG) missions who were detained by the Israeli Zionist regime while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, said Malaysia strongly condemned the interception and attack by the Israeli Zionist regime on Oct 8 against the humanitarian volunteers and vessels participating in the FFC and TMTG missions.

 Wisma Putra also confirmed that nine Malaysian citizens were among those on board the flotilla.

“The safety and welfare of all Malaysians remain the government’s highest priority,” it said.

Wisma Putra said the blatant act of aggression in international waters against a peaceful humanitarian mission constituted a serious violation of international law, including international maritime law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“Malaysia demands that Israel respect their rights as humanitarian volunteers and ensure their safety and dignity at all times,” it said.

The ministry said all of Malaysia’s diplomatic missions in the region have been placed on full alert and have taken proactive measures in response to the incident, including close coordination with the relevant authorities and governments.

“Our missions are now actively engaged in efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of all detained participants and to ensure their welfare is fully protected,” it said.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia stands firmly in full solidarity with the people of Palestine and reiterates its unwavering commitment to continue supporting all international efforts to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.

--BERNAMA