Kuala lumpur: The Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) is set to extend welfare assistance, including financial aid and counselling support, to the families of 34 Malaysians participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar emphasized the importance of ensuring the welfare of family members, highlighting the emotional challenges they might face.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JAKIM is equipped with spiritual counsellors who can support family members experiencing stress due to their loved ones being at sea. Financial aid and other necessary assistance will also be considered to support these families. The announcement followed a press conference held after Mohd Na'im's visit to the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) at the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) Central Warehouse.
During the press conference, Mohd Na'im applauded the mission undertaken by the 34 Malaysians, describing it as a noble effort. He noted the clear goal of the GSF mission to deliver medical and food aid to the people of Gaza. He also expressed gratitude to the media for their role in providing continuous coverage and accurate narratives about the mission, which he believes bolsters the spirit of the volunteers and offers hope to the Malaysian public.
The GSF mission, carrying 34 Malaysians, is currently navigating international waters near Greece, with plans to enter the yellow zone soon before reaching Gaza waters by the end of the month. This mission involves activists from 45 countries who are determined to break the blockade of Gaza, facing challenges such as drone attacks. Malaysia has become the first country to recognize the mission officially, supported by the Prime Minister.
The voyage across the Mediterranean Sea carries not only food supplies and medicine but also a message of peace, calling for an end to the ongoing war and famine crisis, and advocating for the opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza.