SEPANG: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the humanitarian mission to Gaza despite the detention of Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 (GSF2.0) participants, including Malaysians, by Israeli forces on May 1, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Mentri Besar, who is the mission's patron minister, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's consistent support reflects Malaysia's commitment to championing humanitarian causes on the international stage.
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"Our support will only grow stronger as we value the sacrifices made by activists, including Malaysians, who give up their time, money and comfort voluntarily. Malaysia should be proud of these individuals.
"They expose themselves to risk solely to 'Break the Silence' and 'Break the Siege', the two missions carried out consistently," he told reporters after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Center (SNCC) operations centre here Monday (May 4).
He said the mission's management this time appeared more structured and organised, boosting confidence that its objectives are closer to being achieved, or at least strengthening international awareness of the situation in Gaza.
Amirudin said that support for the cause is growing louder in Europe, prompting Malaysia to take a clear and firm stance.
He said Malaysia is currently the only country providing official government-level recognition of the mission, while others have offered support individually, financially or morally.
"This approach has drawn attention from other countries, which appreciate Malaysia's willingness, and that of the Prime Minister, to act as patron not just in a personal capacity, but officially on behalf of the government," he said.
He noted that the humanitarian mission is not limited to Muslims, but involves participants from Europe and the Nusantara region in efforts to break the blockade on Gaza and raise global awareness.
The current mission adopts both land and sea approaches, with aid deliveries via Rafah, where 30 containers carrying 374 tonnes are en route.
Amirudin said the delivery process requires compliance with protocols in the countries involved, particularly in crossing borders.
However, he noted that previous efforts had successfully delivered 100 containers of aid, including 40,000 tins of food distributed ahead of Ramadan and Eid, which reached Palestinians.
Updates on the mission, including developments in Rafah, he said, would be provided once all delivery arrangements are completed.
In a related development, Amirudin said attempts to block the GSF2.0 mission in international waters, about 1,000km (600 nautical miles) from Gaza, reflect the desperation of the Israeli regime and have drawn widespread global attention.
"Voices in Europe are growing stronger, and Malaysia will continue to adopt a peaceful yet firm stance, with bolder actions, as demonstrated by the government.
"I believe Malaysia's position will encourage other countries to follow suit and serve as an example in extending similar recognition," he added. - Bernama
