KUALA LUMPUR: A historic moment unfolded as a Malaysian delegation, led by the Sumud Nusantara Secretariat, began the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to Gaza from the Port of Barcelona, Spain, today.
The group of 15 delegates was joining a mission to demand the liberation of Gaza from a blockade that obstructed access to basic aid that had claimed thousands of lives.
The Sumud Nusantara Secretariat is spearheaded by Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim), Cinta Salam Malaysia and partner non-governmental organisations.
Sumud Nusantara director-general and GSF chairman Nadir Al-Nuri said the wave of solidarity was part of a global uprising against the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
“From Barcelona to Kuala Lumpur, from Southeast Asia to across the world, we must unite in demanding the same rights: stop the starvation immediately, end the Gaza war and open the Rafah humanitarian corridor,” he said in a statement.
Nadir, who is also CGM chief executive officer, said the time had come for the people of Malaysia and the world to rise and pressure the Israeli regime.
He said the mission had begun and must end with Gaza being freed from starvation and war.
Mapim chief executive officer Datuk Sani Arabu said thunderous cheers echoed as the Jalur Gemilang flew proudly on the ships in Barcelona.
He said the Malaysian delegation was warmly welcomed by the international community as Malaysia was carrying the voice of Nusantara in demanding justice for Gaza.
“This flotilla mission is concrete proof that the world is rising to act, not merely to speak.
“Malaysia is in the spotlight because of the courage led by the prime minister as patron of the Sumud Nusantara Movement, making our nation respected and held in high regard not only in speaking, but following through with firm and brave actions at the international level,” he said.
The Sumud Nusantara Secretariat said Malaysia’s participation was part of the Global Sumud Wave, a humanitarian mobilisation movement involving more than 1,000 participants from 44 countries.
The secretariat said it showed that the struggle to defend Gaza transcended borders of nationality, religion and geography.
Previous flotilla missions had faced great risks from the Israeli regime, but this mission had been strengthened by diplomatic strategies, legal support and participation of experienced volunteers.
Yesterday, a flotilla of 24 ships manned by an international team successfully set sail from Barcelona towards Gaza.
In the next phase, a second group of 15 Malaysian delegates would depart from an Italian port on Sept 4, which would coincide with the departure of the third Malaysian group from Tunisia.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
