Malaysia is working towards the early release of a Malaysian who is reported to be among a 13-member Women's Boat to Gaza that was detained by Israeli authorities last night.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement today that it was currently monitoring the development surrounding the detention of the ship, Zaytouna-Oliva, including communicating with several parties to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Malaysian involved.

The Malaysian on-board the ship is Dr Fauziah Mohd Hasan.

It was reported last night that the ship carrying 13 humanitarian activists including a Malaysian representative was making its way to the besieged Gaza strip when it was intercepted and captured by Israeli authorities at about 9pm Malaysian time.

Reports said Israeli navy boarded the flotilla 35 miles off the Israeli coast and according to their spokesperson: "The process took place without resistance and resulted in no injuries."

It said the Israel navy intercepted the sailboat to prevent it from breaking the country's decade-long blockade of the Gaza Strip.

- Bernama