Penang: The rally was also held to support the efforts of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG), in their humanitarian mission to Gaza.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the rally's spokesperson M.S. Anuar Mahmod stated that the event was organized to continue showing support for Gaza and to urge the immediate opening of the Gaza border, as well as the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to enable the delivery of food aid, medicine, clean water, and medical equipment without restrictions.
He emphasized that all participating NGOs are calling on the international community to stand united and continue advocacy and solidarity efforts until Palestine and Al-Aqsa are free. 'We, a group of 33 NGOs and Penangites, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand with Palestine - through diplomacy and humanitarian solidarity - until Palestine gains independence, the Gaza border is opened and all humanitarian efforts are allowed to proceed freely,' he declared.
The gathering successfully united people of various backgrounds and religions to express solidarity, something Mahmod highlighted as a demonstration of Malaysian voices rejecting the injustice faced by the Palestinian people, and reflecting the sentiments of peace activists around the world. He shared these thoughts with Bernama after the gathering.
The event saw participation from a range of organizations including the Penang branch of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM), Citizens International, Penang Muslim League, Palestine Solidarity, OWL Centre for Peace, Global Peace Mission, and the Penang Malaysian Indian Youth Council.
The peaceful rally, which lasted for more than half an hour, featured speeches from several NGO leaders expressing solidarity with Gaza and condemning the actions of the Israeli regime, before participants recited prayers and dispersed peacefully.
The gathering also captured public attention when V. Janarthanan, chairman of the Penang Malaysian Indian Youth Council, delivered a speech condemning the Zionist regime for oppressing Muslims in Palestine, and expressed full support for the people of Gaza. 'I came here not as a Muslim, but as a Tamil born in Malaysia, who cannot bear to see the blood of Palestinian families spilled again, nor the children and people of Palestine becoming victims of brutal killings by the Israeli regime,' he stated.