With the fate of the Malaysian delegates unknown following their detention by the Israeli forces, many Malaysians marched to the United States (US) Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today (2 October) to protest.
At around 2 PM, the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Sumud Nusantara, confirmed that 3 more Malaysian delegates from the flotilla were illegally detained by the Israeli forces.
Malaysians gather at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to protest Israel’s interception of the Gaza Aid Flotilla
The Malaysians who participated in the protest outside the US Embassy did what they could, so far, to voice their distress. The crowds began gathering and carrying banners that read, ‘Stop The Genocide’, and ‘Israel America Stop Starving Gaza’, as well as other placards in front of the embassy as early as 12 PM.
Some also carried pictures of Palestinian children and waved the Palestinian flags.
During the incident, the crowds were also heard chanting “Slaves of US”, as reported by Sinar Harian.
Several protestors were reportedly detained by the authorities
Personnel from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) were dispatched to the scene to maintain order and avoid unpleasant incidents. According to China Press, several protestors were detained by the police officers, but PDRM mentioned that it will release an official statement about the matter soon.
According to Sumud Nusantara, the total number of Malaysians involved in the humanitarian mission is 23, but 12 of them managed to send a distress SOS message before they lost contact after the Israeli forces boarded the flotilla.
Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his statement, said that necessary works are being done to ensure the release of the humanitarians.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, stated that the humanitarian convoy was an act of provocation and ordered them to change course, which the latter refused. The Israeli Foreign Ministry also claimed that it would distribute the aid directly to Gaza.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated.
Also read: PAS Says It’s Ready to Meet Trump in KL & Will Lead Mass Protests if the US President Refuses
