KUALA LUMPUR: The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s (FFC) humanitarian mission to Gaza is expected to enter the red zone at 5am Malaysian time on Wednesday (Oct 8), bringing it closer to a high-risk area, said Humanitarian Care Malaysia (Mycare) chief executive officer Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar.
He said the mission involves nine ships, including Conscience and Umm Saad, which are in the yellow zone, approximately 180 nautical miles from Gaza waters.
"All vessels are moving at a speed of around four knots, with Conscience setting sail at 9.30 am today before stopping for nearly 30 hours for training and to wait for smaller boats," he said at a press conference at Mycare headquarters on Tuesday (Oct 7), which was also attended by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Kamarul Zaman said Malaysia’s head delegate aboard the Conscience, Prof Emeritus Dr Mohd Alauddin, noted that Wednesday or Thursday nights are expected to be the most critical moments before they enter the red zone, as typically Israeli attacks take place at night.
"We ask everyone to continue praying for their strength and if permitted, they will land in Gaza to serve the people there," he said.
He also conveyed a message from mission participant Dr Fauziah Mohd Hasan, who urged the international community to continue putting pressure on the Zionist regime.
"All segments of society must rise to pressure Israel and its allies to halt actions that worsen the plight of the Palestinian people,” said Dr Fauziah, who also urged peaceful demonstrations to show solidarity until all volunteers are free from Israeli detention.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said his office had received a briefing from Mycare on the progress of the mission.
"No matter what happens, we must be prepared, and I urge all Malaysians, regardless of religion, race, or ideology, to come together in support.
"This is a global humanitarian issue. Many international bodies have declared what is happening in Gaza as genocide, and we must unite in the name of humanity to stop these atrocities," he said.
Zulkifli also interacted with the mission participants via video conference. - Bernama
