Na'im strongly condemns Israel’s interception of humanitarian mission to Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR - Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, has strongly condemned the action of the Israeli Zionist forces, for intercepting the humanitarian mission vessels Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG), which also carried Malaysians, in international waters this morning.

In a post on social media, he described the incident, which occurred at around 10.50am Malaysian time, as a provocative act and a violation of international law.

"I strongly condemn this provocative act and blatant violation of international law. The detention of a humanitarian vessel carrying aid for the people of Gaza is an inhumane act, which contravenes the fundamental principles of human rights and universal human dignity,” he said.

Na’im also expressed his full support for the statement and firm stance of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, urging that all Malaysian activists and volunteers be released immediately, and provided with adequate protection.

He stressed that the Madani Government would do its utmost to safeguard the lives of all Malaysians involved in the humanitarian mission, and would continue to engage with partner countries and international organisations to facilitate their release.

"I also call on all Muslims and Malaysians to continue praying for the safety and immediate release of all activists and volunteers currently detained.

"Let us pray that the government’s efforts to protect our fellow Malaysians are eased, and that all forms of oppression in Gaza come to an end,” he said.

Earlier, Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE) reported that nine humanitarian mission vessels under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG), including the Conscience and Umm Saad, which were carrying nine Malaysian activists, were intercepted by Israeli forces at 10.50am Malaysian time.

The FFC mission involves eight Malaysian representatives aboard the Conscience, which departed Porto Otranto, Italy, on Sept 30. The group is led by Mohd Alauddin and includes three doctors - Dr Fauziah Mohd Hassan, Dr Hafiz Sulaiman, and Dr Ili Syakira Mohd Suhaimi.

Also on board are two lecturers, Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh and Dr Noorhasyimah Ismail, MyCARE Board of Trustees member Norsham Abu Bakar, and Astro Awani journalist Syafik Shukri Abdul Jalil.

Another Malaysian representative, Dr Maziah Muhammad, is on board the ‘Umm Saad’, which departed from Catania, Sicily, on Sept 27 along with seven other vessels bound for Gaza.

The vessels are part of a humanitarian peace mission led by the FFC in collaboration with ‘Thousand Madleens to Gaza ‘(TMTG), aimed at providing live coverage and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, which remains under Israeli blockade.

In total, the current FFC mission comprises about 150 participants from 25 countries, with MyCARE leading the Malaysian delegation. - BERNAMA