GSF Volunteers Undaunted For Future Aid Mission

SEPANG, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- There is no room for complacency in defending the fate of the Palestinian people who are oppressed by the Zionist regime and on that basis, Malaysian activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission want to continue to be involved in related missions in the future.

One of the 23 Malaysian volunteers, Muhammad Haikal Abdullah, expressed his willingness to join the humanitarian mission to Gaza again in order to continue his solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Muhammad Haikal who was on board the Free Willy, also called on all strata of society to continue to provide assistance to the people of Gaza according to their respective capabilities, while emphasising that each individual plays an important role in fighting for justice and universal humanity.

"Alhamdulillah, so far everything has been good. God willing, if there is an opportunity, we will go again. The best of people are those who bring benefit to others," he said at a press conference to welcome the return of the Malaysian GSF mission delegation at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 here, tonight.

Emirates flight EK342 carrying all 27 Malaysian volunteers including four people from the observation ship and five lawyers landed at 10.07 pm, Monday at KLIA Terminal 1.

On Oct 2, the Israeli regime intercepted all 42 GSF humanitarian mission ships to Gaza and detained 495 activists, including 23 Malaysian activists who were later released in stages starting Oct 4.

For Norazman Ishak who boarded the Estrella, participating in the GSF was not just an individual mission, but rather bringing the voice and hope of all Malaysians to Gaza.

Regarding the experience of being detained by the Israeli army, he admitted that they faced restrictions and were denied of several basic human rights throughout their detention.

“However, when we remember the suffering of the people of Gaza which is far more terrible, we calm down and continue to be enthusiastic. The treatment received was very minimal, but thank God we are safe,” he said.

Volunteer Nurfarahin Romli, or Farah Lee, who boarded the Grande Blu, said the participation of female activists in the GSF mission not only represents Malaysia, but also brings the voices of oppressed women and mothers in Gaza.

"Our headscarves were confiscated, we were humiliated in front of men without headscarves, and we were forced to wear this white shirt to cover our heads and hair in order to maintain our dignity as women," she said.

Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, or Haroqs, who was on the Free Willy, said his participation in the flotilla provided valuable experience and instilled new enthusiasm in the younger generation to continue supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people.

"I am grateful and happy to be part of this mission. I hope that the sacrifices of us all can open the eyes of the younger generation to continue to help Palestine. This is not just a political issue, but an issue of humanity and Muslims worldwide. If allowed, I will go again. God willing," he said.

Meanwhile, Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin or better known as Ardell Aryana who sailed on the Mikeni  expressed her gratitude to the public who came to welcome the Malaysian delegation back tonight.

“Thank you to everyone who came to welcome us. I hope the public can come to the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil tomorrow to show solidarity for Palestine,” she said.

-- BERNAMA