The Israeli foreign ministry said the activists are being transported safely and peacefully to Israel, where deportation procedures to Europe will begin.

“The passengers are safe and in good health,” the ministry said in a post on X.

Earlier today, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre said it had lost contact with 17 out of 23 Malaysians on the convoy after Israeli forces boarded several GSF ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

At least 15 Malaysian activists, including singer Zizi Kirana, are confirmed to have been arrested.

Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that several GSF ships had been stopped and their passengers taken to an Israeli port.

Meanwhile, 30 other GSF ships were still sailing towards Gaza early this morning, despite repeated Israeli naval interception attempts.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had condemned Israel’s interception of the GSF, which had been carrying unarmed civilians and humanitarian aid bound for Gaza.

Anwar said the flotilla symbolised “solidarity, compassion and the hope of relief” for Palestinians under the blockade, but was met with “intimidation and coercion”.

Anwar also vowed that Malaysia would pursue “all legitimate and lawful means” to hold Israel accountable, particularly in cases involving Malaysian citizens.

A team of Malaysian lawyers had arrived in Amman, Jordan, to negotiate the release of activists detained by Israeli forces.