Malaysia, while strongly condemning the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla today, is also urging the United Nations Security Council to censure the Israeli regime over the attack.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said Malaysia would propose the matter be deliberated on by the Security Council soonest possible.

"I, in the name of the Malaysian government and the people strongly condemn  this inhumane, brutal aggression by the Israeli regime on the flotilla which is bringing humanitarian aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza," he said after launching the 4B Youth Movement Alumni in Kuala Lumpur today.

Najib said "the whole world should condemn the action of this cruel regime".

"I hope the incident will result in a censure on Israel," he said, adding that the attack showed that the Tel Aviv regime had no respect for international law and had indiscriminately used force without considering that their action could result in the loss of innocent lives.

The prime minister said he was awaiting details and information on the fate of Malaysians on board the ships in the flotilla.

The Mavi Marmara, one of the nine small ships in the flotilla on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, organised by a pro-Palestinian group and a human rights organisation in Turkey, was attacked by the Israeli army this morning near Gaza.

Earlier, foreign minister condemned the attack, saying the act was "a serious breach of international law."

"Malaysia demands Israel to immediately cease its excessive and inhumane treatment of the activists and calls for the immediate release of the innocent people and the ships," Anifah Aman said in a statement.

He also urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to consider action against Israel and to put pressure on Israel to immediately lift the blockade on Gaza.

Anifah said the ministry "is closely monitoring the developments as we have Malaysians onboard."

The flotilla, originally made up of nine ships, was organised by pro-Palestinian groups and a Turkish human rights organisation.

One of the ships, Mavi Marmara, was attacked by Israeli soldiers this morning, near Gaza, with two Malaysians - a journalist and a cameraman from Astro Awani - onboard.

Their fate is still unknown. Six Perdana Global Peace Organisation representatives, who are in another ship, are safe.

Anifah said the government of Malaysia offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to families of those killed and injured in the incident.

"May God grant them strength and fortitude in facing this tragedy," he said.

- Bernama