Hours before his abduction by Israeli forces while on board the Bianca BCN - one of 22 vessels intercepted in international waters en route to Gaza - Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 activist Ahmad Musa Nuwayri Kamaruzaman celebrated his 32nd birthday.

The last video shared on his Facebook account two days ago showed Musa raising the Jalur Gemilang and the Palestinian flag.

“This year, I celebrate my 32nd birthday in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea en route to Gaza.

“I am proud to carry Malaysia’s name. Even when faced with criticisms, I will continue to raise our flag on the humanitarian front.

“Successfully reaching Gaza will be the most valuable gift, should it become a reality, Insha Allah,” said Musa.

Yesterday, the Sumud Nusantara Operations Centre (SNCC) confirmed that a total of 22 out of 63 vessels were reportedly intercepted by Israeli authorities in the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Crete, Greece.

Since then, Musa’s fate, along with that of nine Malaysians and 165 other global activists, remains unknown at the time of writing.

Apart from Musa, Malaysians detained so far are ZRA Strim founder Zainal Rashid Ahmad, who was aboard the Arkham III, Hanafi Salim (Bianca BCN), Norhelmi Ab Ghani (Bianca BCN), and Hazwan Hazim Dermawan (Bianca BCN).

Also detained were Osman Zolkifli (Eros 1), Dr Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin (Eros 1), Shamsir Isa (Esplai II), Redzal Amzah (Freia), and Muhsin Zaidi (Marea).

Contacting friendly countries

Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Israel’s action as a breach of humanitarian principles and international law.

“We naturally pray for the safety, not only of Malaysians, but also of citizens from other countries caught up in the detention by the unjust Israeli regime, many of whom are being held in international waters.

“This is sheer madness and shows no respect at all for humanitarian and international law principles.

“They were still in international waters, not even inside Israel’s territory. That is the injustice that continues,” Anwar told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Nurul Iman, Rawang, according to Bernama.

Regarding the government’s follow‑up measures, the prime minister said efforts had been stepped up on the diplomatic front, with the Foreign Ministry and friendly nations being contacted to find an immediate solution.

“We are doing our best. I have already contacted the Foreign Ministry, and we are in contact with friendly countries. Whichever ones I can contact, I will contact, InsyaAllah,” he said.

Separately, SNCC director-general Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said while there was initial information that all the activists would be released at Lerapetra Port, Crete, Greece, at noon today (Malaysian time), it has yet to be verified.

“The current status (of the information) has yet to be confirmed through official channels and our field group at the port,” he said at a press conference on updates on the Global Sumud Flotilla 2026.

Detained Gaza flotilla activists to be disembarked on Greek coast - Israel minister

Detained Gaza flotilla activists to be disembarked on Greek coast - Israel minister

Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0: 10 M'sians on Gaza-bound vessels intercepted by Israeli forces

Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0: 10 M'sians on Gaza-bound vessels intercepted by Israeli forces