A coalition of Muslim NGOs calling itself Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPPIM) is to organise a ‘Ramadan March for Freedom’ to Gaza in August.

Council secretary-general Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said 300-500 activists are expected to take part in the humanitarian mission, which seeks to continue the efforts of the 'Freedom Flotilla'.

NONE "MAPPIM believes that the military attack on the Freedom Flotilla has stimulated Malaysia’s efforts to continue to deliver aid to Gaza," he told journalists at the Parliament lobby today.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that no ship will be allowed to reach the Gaza Strip, Mohd Azmi said the coalition is equally adamant about mobilising efforts to open up Gaza and ensure its recognition as sovereign territory.

"We have launched this mission in the hope that every Malaysian will make it a success... we understand that Egypt has opened up the borders of Rafah but even that is not permanent move," he said.

MAPPIM will lobby Egypt to change its policy and enable Palestinians in Gaza to have access to the world.

"With the opening of the Rafah border, MAPPIM aims to start the process of liberating Gaza and ending the misery of the Palestinians," he said.

Ampang PKR MP Zuraida Kamaruddin described the mission as a "grand effort" in the holy month of Ramadan and expressed hope that all parties will take part, irrespective of ideology.

Param appointed to UN's Gaza monitoring committee