SEPANG, April 6 — The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission represents the collective humanitarian voice of Malaysians in supporting the people of the Gaza Strip and Palestine, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The initiative is not merely a personal or organisational effort, but a broader humanitarian mission reflecting the concern of communities worldwide.
“This is not a personal mission, nor a mission of any particular group. I believe it carries a message to the ummah and humanity around the world by symbolising solidarity with Palestinians who have endured decades of hardship and blockade,” he said during a media conference at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today before flying off to Egypt.
Amirudin has been entrusted to represent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in leading Malaysia’s Emergency Aid Mission to Gaza, before monitoring the departure of the GSF 2.0 in Spain.
He added that the mission involves nearly 3,000 participants from about 100 countries, working together to highlight the situation in Gaza.
This is a marked increase from last year's first mission, which saw around 500 people from 44 countries participate.
Amirudin said the initiative aims to reach Gaza through peaceful means while delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the prolonged conflict.
“This time, we are trying to reach Gaza with the intention of peace and security, and to free our friends and brothers who have long been trapped,” he said.
The mission will deliver over 300 tonnes of humanitarian aid in 30 containers, funded by public donations and contributions from individuals, companies, and the Federal and state governments.
“Our estimate is that around 100,000 people will benefit if we succeed in completing this mission, and we will try our best to carry out this responsibility with all the strength and capability that we have,” Amirudin said.
Amirudin said the Malaysian government has entrusted the delegation with beginning the mission in Cairo, Egypt, before continuing preparations for the launch of the flotilla in Barcelona, Spain.
He also acknowledged that the mission may face significant challenges, similar to those faced in last year's flotilla effort.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations chief executive officer Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said among the Malaysian participants are two doctors, one of Hindu descent and another a Buddhist, highlighting that the mission is an act of humanity transcending religion.
