Malaysian GSF 2.0 activists: We are witnesses to Israeli cruelty

SEPANG: Malaysian activists said they were “witnesses to Israeli cruelty” as they described “violent interceptions and brutal treatment” during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Medical team member Dr Jihan Aliah Mohd Nordin said the mission left a deep emotional impact after the delegation attempted to reach Gaza but was intercepted twice — first in Greece and later in international waters.

She said the experience with GSF 2.0 was “meaningful and unforgettable”, but ws also marked by distressing scenes involving unarmed activists.

She said members of the flotilla were subjected to brutal treatment during the interceptions.

“We have become witnesses to the violence of the Israeli Occupation Force (IOF — what GSF officials call the Israeli Defence Force, or IDF) against unarmed activists, and we were treated brutally.

“(But) this cannot be compared with what the Palestinian people have endured over many years… the suffering and cruelty they face is far more severe than what we experienced,” she said.

Despite the ordeal, she said the mission strengthened her resolve to continue advocating for Palestine, calling for greater international solidarity and humanitarian access.

“We must all play our part. We must stand together to help free Palestine.”

Dr Jihan expressed appreciation to Malaysian humanitarian organisations, including Cinta Gaza Malaysia, Cinta Syria Malaysia, and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim), as well as the government and public for their support.

Another activist, Captain Siva S. Patmanathan, also pledged continued involvement in humanitarian missions, saying he remained committed to future Gaza-related efforts.

He said he was deeply moved by public support and recounted an emotional message from his 10-year-old child, who expressed pride in his mission.

“He told me, ‘Papa, I am really proud of you. You go to Gaza. If you do not come back, no problem. After 10 years I will go and join Sumud Nusantara’.”

Siva said he would not step away from humanitarian work and urged that he be included in future missions.

“Continue supporting Gaza, continue supporting Palestine. What we witnessed is nothing compared to what they are going through.”

Dr Jihan and Siva were part of the 28 Malaysian volunteers from the GSF 2.0 mission who returned home tonight after being detained by Israeli forces while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/05/1447485/updated-28-malaysian-gaza-flotilla-volunteers-return-home-after-israeli)

The group arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 to an emotional welcome from family members, supporters, and members of the public, many of whom had been waiting at the arrival hall since 8pm.

Some were seen embracing loved ones in tears, while others waved Palestinian flags and shouted words of support as the volunteers emerged from the arrival gate.

However, one Malaysian volunteer, Razman Mat Ali, 38, from Bayan Lepas, Penang, was unable to return with the delegation after suffering a punctured lung allegedly caused by an assault by Israeli soldiers.

The group was received and accompanied by several officials, including Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Palestinian ambassador to Malaysia Jehad Fouad Mabrouk Alqedra, and Malaysian Parliamentary Caucus for Palestine president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.

The GSF 2.0 mission, involving international activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, has drawn global attention following reports of interceptions and detentions by Israeli forces in international waters.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times