KUALA LUMPUR – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is expected to enter the “yellow zone” of the Mediterranean at 9.18pm Malaysian time tonight, before sailing into the “red zone” on Thursday, the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) confirmed.
SNCC director-general Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim said all Malaysian participants remain in good health, including the six activists who were on board the Johnny M, a vessel that suffered a leak and technical failure earlier today. They have since been safely transferred to another ship.
“If there are no obstacles, we will start entering the yellow zone at 9.18pm Malaysian time. Currently, we are around 366 nautical miles from the Gaza coast,” Sani told reporters at SNCC’s daily press briefing, here.
He confirmed that the Johnny M, which was serving as an observer boat, has withdrawn from the mission, leaving 46 vessels to continue the voyage.
Sani also dismissed unverified reports that a Malaysian ship had caught fire.
“SNCC once again emphasises that all parties refer only to SNCC as the authentic source. Any unverified information will only play into Zionist propaganda and create a false narrative,” he said.
When asked whether Italian and Spanish naval ships would continue to accompany the flotilla, Sani said there was no indication of withdrawal as they remained in international waters.
A total of 34 Malaysians are part of the GSF, joining activists from 45 countries attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The mission, backed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marks Malaysia as the first nation to formally recognise the flotilla.
The GSF carries food, medicine, and humanitarian aid, and is calling for an end to the war and famine in Gaza through the opening of a humanitarian corridor.
Despite facing drone threats and logistical setbacks, the convoy has pressed on across the Mediterranean, with organisers vowing to reach Gaza later this month. — September 29, 2025