MELAKA: Over 5,000 people took part in a peaceful rally here today to condemn the atrocities of the Zionist regime against Palestinians and to express solidarity with humanitarian activists recently detained during the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza.
The Melaka Sumud Flotilla Solidarity Rally, which began in front of the Stadthuys building and concluded at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial Square in Banda Hilir, drew participants of various religions, races and backgrounds from Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur, as well as foreign tourists.
Akademi Kepimpinan Anak Bangsa founder Afiq Nordin said the gathering demonstrated unity that transcended religion, race and borders, as the issue at hand was a humanitarian one.
"This rally is not only about the flotilla but also for the entire Palestinian people. We want the world to know what is happening in Gaza.
"We also extend our utmost appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This is where we see the result of strong diplomatic ties, which have helped secure the return of our activists," he told reporters after the rally on Sunday (Oct 5).
The rally was also joined by non-governmental organisations, including Cinta Gaza Malaysia, representatives from the state government and social media influencers.
One of the participants, Melaka OKU Council member Azian Ahmad, said she represented the global deaf and mute community in denouncing the Zionist regime's oppression of the Palestinians.
Last Thursday, 23 Malaysian volunteers on the GSF mission were detained by Israeli forces after their vessels were intercepted in the R3 Red Zone of the Mediterranean Sea before being taken to the port of Ashdod, Israel.
They were later released and are currently in Istanbul, Türkiye, and are scheduled to return home on Monday (Oct 6).
The GSF involved more than 500 activists from 45 countries sailing toward Gaza as a show of solidarity and to break the Israeli blockade while delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. – Bernama
