Reports by RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, BENJAMIN LEE, FAZLEENA AZIZ, FARIK ZOLKEPLI, GERARD GIMINO and IVAN LOH
PETALING JAYA: Leaders across the political divide are condemning Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) carrying aid to Gaza, urging immediate international action.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the detention of the aid mission as an inhuman act that goes against the world’s solidarity with Palestine.
“These vessels are carrying volunteers and essential supplies for the Palestinian people suffering under a cruel blockade, yet they are met with intimidation, force and coercion.
“Israel’s actions are not only an injustice against the people of Gaza, but also an insult to the universal voice of humanity,” he said.
He added that the government would ensure the safety of all Malaysians detained and for Israel to be held accountable.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong condemned the seizure and detention of the GSF, calling it an unlawful breach of international law while urging the public to pray for the detainees’ safety.
“The flotilla’s mission was entirely humanitarian and peaceful – aimed solely at saving lives and upholding the basic right of every human being to live with dignity and security.
“But Israel’s action has denied the rights and freedom of people worldwide who seek to assist Palestinians who continue to suffer relentless oppression by the Zionist regime,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin called for the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other global bodies to act fast.
“Enough with empty condemnations – Israel must be held accountable for its repeated violations of international law.
“By blocking humanitarian aid, Israel is trampling on every principle of human rights and justice.
“This criminal act must be called out in the strongest terms, and the international community cannot remain silent,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Parliament Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin called the interception of humanitarian aid a crime that must be condemned globally.
“It is an act of intimidation against the activists on the flotilla, and an insult to global humanitarian efforts as the crisis in Palestine is the biggest human tragedy of the modern era.
“The world must unite to stop the cruelty immediately and prosecute those committing humanitarian crimes against Palestinians under international law,” Hamzah added.
