KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Malaysia today condemned the attack by the Israeli defence force on the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla, which was sailing in international waters, saying the act was “a serious breach of international law.”

“Malaysia demands Israel to immediately cease its excessive and inhumane treatment of the activists and calls for the immediate release of the innocent people and the ships,” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said in a statement.

He also urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to consider action against Israel and to put pressure on Israel to immediately lift the blockade on Gaza.

Anifah said the ministry “is closely monitoring the developments as we have Malaysians onboard.”

The flotilla, originally made up of nine ships, was organised by pro-Palestinian groups and a Turkish human rights organisation.

One of the ships, Mavi Marmara, was attacked by Israeli soldiers this morning, near Gaza, with two Malaysians — a journalist and a cameraman from Astro Awani — onboard.

Their fate is still unknown. Six Perdana Global Peace Organisation representatives, who are on another ship, are safe.

Anifah said the government of Malaysia offers its deepest sympathies and condolences to families of those killed and injured in the incident.

“May God grant them strength and fortitude in facing this tragedy,” he said. — Bernama