KUALA LUMPUR: The presence of Malaysians in the international Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission reflects the country’s commitment to justice, which transcends national boundaries, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister also said the courage of international and Malaysian activists aboard GSF signifies a powerful stand against the oppression of the Palestinians and an overwhelming solidarity with the people of Gaza.
"(Their) involvement... underscores the importance of collective global responsibility in challenging state-sponsored violence and terrorism and advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people.
"Malaysia’s consistent condemnation of Zionist occupation and settler colonialism of Palestine is a testament to our commitment to justice.
"It (justice) transcends national boundaries, reinforcing the idea that solidarity in social movements is essential," he said in his opening remarks at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) on Monday (Sept 29).
Therefore, Anwar said, effective discussion on world social security must recognise and integrate present realities of the globe.
"What we need now is a new vision, one that reflects today’s realities and prepares us for the challenges still ahead," he added.
Anwar said Israel’s genocide against Palestinians warrants unequivocal condemnation and is not just a political soundbite.
"It illuminates the grave violations of human rights that impact the fabric of social security worldwide, undermining the inalienable rights of people to safety, dignity and access to essential services
"As we address social security on a global scale, we must confront these systemic injustices, as silence on such atrocities renders any discussion of social security hollow and inadequate," he stressed.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the GSF is expected to enter the yellow zone, located about 300 nautical miles from Gaza, by Monday or in the coming days.
The yellow zone is an area in international waters between Italy and Cyprus where Israeli attacks are possible.
Earlier this month, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he wanted to declare the humanitarian activists as terrorists and detain them accordingly.
Ben-Gvir, a controversial right-wing politician in Israel, has been targeted with sanctions by various countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, for continuing to incite violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
The flotilla was attacked last Wednesday (Sept 24) in international waters off Crete, Greece, where it was struck by drones armed with stun grenades and chemical irritants.
Following that, Italy and Spain deployed naval vessels to accompany the flotilla on rescue and humanitarian tasks.
The flotilla’s voyage across the Mediterranean Sea carries food supplies, medicine and a message of peace, urging an end to the war and the famine crisis, while also demanding the opening of a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
A total of 34 Malaysian volunteers are in the GSF mission under the banner of Sumud Nusantara, led by Cinta Gaza Malaysia.
There are also international volunteers from Europe, Asia, South Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
