KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — Hundreds of people descended on Jalan Tun Razak to protest Israel’s move to intercept Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) vessels and detain their passengers, including several Malaysian activists.
They started gathering at 2pm in front of Kompleks Tabung Haji chanting “Free Palestine” and “Bebas (Free the) Sumud Flotilla” and carrying Palestine flags, pictures of the detained Malaysian activists, and banners that read #breaktheseige #stand4sumud #freepalestine.
Vehicles on the road joined in the rally by honking at congregants. The protesters then moved to the United States Embassy building about 1km away.
Twenty-seven Malaysians are part of the GSF, with 23 on ships and four on the monitors. The mission comprises 497 activists from 46 countries. Besides Malaysia, countries with the most activists in the mission are Turkey (56), Spain (49), Italy (48), and Tunisia (28).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier condemned the Zionist regime for its actions, and called on Israel to immediately release the activists. He said Israel is not only infringing on Palestinians’ rights, but stepping on sensitivities of a world that no longer stands with Israel.
He said Malaysia will pursue all legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for this aggression, especially as Malaysians are involved.
Anwar emphasised that Malaysia will continue to stand with Palestine as long as its people continue to be oppressed.
