In a Facebook post, Anwar said their detention was an affront to human rights and international maritime law.

“Malaysia strongly condemns Israel’s actions and demands a guarantee of their safety as well as the immediate release of all activists detained.

“These actions reflect the Zionist regime’s wickedness in closing off channels for aid, restricting voices speaking up for humanity, and persecuting anyone who defends the plight of the Palestinians,” he said.

Anwar added that the world cannot remain silent about the atrocities being committed against Palestinians and those trying to distribute humanitarian aid to them.

“Israel must be held responsible and brought to justice,” said the prime minister.

Initially, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre said eight Malaysians were detained by the Israel Defense Forces after their ships were halted in the waters near Cyprus.

The eight Malaysians were identified as Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Shazly Shees, Tengku Ahmad Taufik Nor Zahari, S Patmanathan, Amirul Afif Azhar, Syakirin Senin, Muhsin Zaidi and Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman.

It later updated that eight others had also been detained, though it has yet to reveal their identities.