GSF 2.0 Opens Up Space For Solidarity Across Race With Palestine

SEPANG, May 25 (Bernama) -- The experience of participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 humanitarian mission has strengthened the determination of Malaysian Indian activist, Patmanathan Sivasamy to continue with international solidarity efforts for the Palestinian people, regardless of religious and racial background.

Patmanathan, or better known as Captain Siva, said his participation in the mission opened up a broader perspective on the reality of the conflict and suffering experienced by the people in Gaza, as well as strengthening the spirit of cross-racial humanity.

He stressed that the Palestinian issue must be seen as a universal humanitarian issue that unites all parties, including Malaysians of various races and religions.

"As Malaysians of various races, we share the same spirit of humanity. What happens to the Palestinian people affects all of us as human beings," he said when met by reporters after arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), tonight.

Captain Siva said the experience throughout the mission, including when the ship was intercepted during the flotilla operation, was an important lesson on the challenges faced in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He said the moral support from his family and Malaysians of all races who always prayed for the safety of the flotilla participants gave great meaning to the struggle.

"I am proud to be a Malaysian Indian. Thank you for praying for us. From now on, my family and I are more determined to liberate Palestine," he said.

Captain Siva also shared that his experience in detention provided a clear picture of the tough challenges faced by humanitarian activists, but he chose to remain focused on the message of humanity and peace.

He said the struggle was not about differences, but rather about joint efforts to defend human values ​​and help those in need.

Earlier, 28 Malaysians who were detained by the Israeli army while participating in the GSF 2.0 humanitarian mission to Gaza arrived safely in the country tonight.

All of them together with Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby departed from Istanbul International Airport, Turkiye at 11.25 pm on Saturday before transiting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They then continued their journey back to the country on Emirates flight EK342 which landed at KLIA Terminal 1 at 9.30 pm.

Among the volunteers who participated in the mission were Norazman Ishak, Muhammad Hareez Adzrami, Nor Liyana Farhan Daud, Zainal Rashid Ahmad, Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, Hazwan Hazim Dermawan, Norhelmi Ab Ghani, Mohd Hanafi Mohd Salim and Mohd Shamsir Mohd Isa.

Also participating were Mohd Redzal Amzah, Muhammad Zaid Abdul Karim, Al-Ahmad Shah Abdul Kadir, Mohammad Farizzal Rostam, Chin Shiau Weai, Abdul Samad Selamat, Mohammad Shazly Mohammad Shees, Tengku Ahmad Taufik Tengku Noor Zahari, Syed Aminul Syafiq Syed Iskandar and Osman Zulkifli.

Other participants were Jihan Alya Mohd Nordin, Muhammad Amirul Afif Mohd Azhar, Syakirin Muhamad Senin, Muhammad Muhsin Zaidi, Abdul Rahim Abdul Razak, Eddy Noor Mat Amin, Noor Thanisah Mohamad Tajudin and Naufa Azhar.

Meanwhile, another activist Razman Mat Ali is still in Istanbul receiving treatment after suffering a 'Traumatic Pneumothorax' or a punctured lung due to being punched by Israeli soldiers.

-- BERNAMA