KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Malaysia will pursue diplomatic efforts to secure the swift release and return of its citizens detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla off Gaza, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today.

According to The Star, Fahmi said the Madani government strongly condemned the kidnap and detention of Malaysians who were part of the international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“This action is something the Malaysian government protests,” he said during the launch of the Seminar on Developing Training Modules for Combating Fake News in Asean.

“We will use diplomatic channels to resolve the matter concerning the kidnapped Malaysians to secure their release and speedy return to Malaysia,” he added.

Eight Malaysian volunteers, including singer Zizi Kirana, released SOS videos indicating they were being held by Israeli forces. 

In total, 23 Malaysians were part of the international flotilla of 46 vessels, which was intercepted after entering the red zone about 100km off Gaza.

As of 6am Malaysian time, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre confirmed that eight Malaysians had been detained. 

Among them was singer Zizi Kirana, whose real name is Nur Fazelah Mad Tahil, who was on board the vessel Huga.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also condemned Israel’s actions against the flotilla.