Anwar hails Sumud Flotilla, says Israel's cruelty now clear to world

Summary

• Anwar Ibrahim hails the Global Sumud Flotilla for exposing Israel’s “cruel and uncivilised philosophy”, saying it proves the Zionist regime doesn’t just target militant groups.

• The prime minister also reveals that he has Turkiye’s agreement for Malaysian GSF detainees to be ferried to Istanbul.

• Anwar says that the detainees were also treated poorly while in Israeli detention.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has hailed the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) as a successful mission, as the plight faced by those onboard the vessels carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza had shown the world Israel’s “cruel and uncivilised philosophy”.

In a video uploaded on his social media pages today, Anwar commended GSF participants for their courage in taking part in the mission despite knowing that it would not be easy to reach Gaza under Israeli occupation.

“They have made a significant contribution - raising awareness among hundreds of millions of people around the world that this (Israeli) regime is not only about (taking action) against what they call ‘violent groups’,” the prime minister said.

“For us, this is a movement for the liberation of Palestine and Gaza, yet (Israel) also strictly forbade any form of humanitarian aid.

“This can only happen in a country led and governed by an extremely cruel and uncivilised philosophy. A civilised nation, at the very least, would allow humanitarian assistance,” he added. 

Between Oct 1 and Oct 3, Israel detained 42 boats that were sailing towards Gaza in an attempt to break the Zionist regime’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

The Israeli military had reportedly detained 462 activists on board the boats when they were in international waters and brought them to the Ashdod port in Israel before holding them in a detention facility called Ketziot Camp.

Earlier today, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the process to secure the release of 23 Malaysian activists, who are part of GSF, from Israeli detention has been delayed due to the Jewish Yom Kippur religious celebration.

Mohamad added that all Malaysian activists have signed the relevant forms to ensure their deportation from Israel. They would be facing trial for allegedly trespassing into Israel as a procedure before they can be deported.

M’sian detainees to head for Istanbul

Anwar said today that he has secured Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s approval for the Malaysians to be brought to Istanbul, with the detainees now bound to Ramon Airport in southern Israel before a special plane will ferry them to the Turkish city.

The prime minister noted that while three Malaysians were somewhat reluctant to sign the deportation order from Israel, Putrajaya held the view that they should agree to it and return to allow planning for future strategies.

“It is better for them (all Malaysian activists involved) to stay in Istanbul for half a day or a day for health check-ups, (due) to the trauma and stress caused by the cruel regime and the harsh treatment by Israeli forces.

“Arrangements are being made for them to depart for home tomorrow night or the day after,” Anwar affirmed.

Earlier, Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said that while the Malaysian activists are safe, SNCC received a report that Israel had forced detainees to kneel for five hours with their hands zip-tied.

“... this came after some (of the detainees) had chanted ‘Free Palestine’. We were also informed that detainees had been denied access to water, toilets, and lawyers,” he told a press conference today.

Previously, the Israeli foreign ministry said the activists arrested on the mission ships will be deported to Europe, adding that all of the detained passengers were safe and in good health.

Another flotilla on its way

In another attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade, a new flotilla comprising 11 vessels is attempting to make its way to Gaza, with 10 boats having set sail from Italy on Sept 27. 

The sailing ship Conscience, carrying nine Malaysian volunteers, was reportedly launched from Porto Otranto, Italy, on Sept 30.

The Malaysians are part of a group of approximately 100 volunteers from around the world sailing under the banner of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the Thousand Madleens to Gaza initiative.

Participants include doctors, politicians, journalists, and international activists.

Anwar noted today that he had the opportunity to speak with the nine Malaysian activists and volunteers aboard the two boats, which he said are now in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and have entered the yellow zone.

“I offered them words of encouragement and prayed that their journey and mission towards Gaza would be eased.

“Their sacrifices in upholding the principles of humanity are an outstanding example for all Malaysians, especially the younger generation, of the true meaning of courage, determination, and steadfast solidarity,” he added in a separate post.

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