Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) has urged all parties to strive for an immediate ceasefire and end the conflict in Gaza, in line with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Its secretary-general, Datuk Danial Iskandar Abdul Rahman, emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to be delivered without delay or blockade due to the massive suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MRC has called on governments and the international community to enhance diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts, safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers, and uphold humanitarian principles in times of conflict. The MRC is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, upholding human dignity, and promoting peace through principled humanitarian action.
The MRC expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and others for their efforts in securing the release of 23 Malaysian volunteers on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission, who were detained by Zionist regime troops. Danial Iskandar also acknowledged the support from all parties and international partners involved in the humanitarian effort.
Despite the positive development of the Malaysian volunteers' release, the MRC remains concerned about the detention of hundreds of activists and humanitarian workers from various countries who were part of the flotilla intercepted on October 2 while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The MRC is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained volunteers, emphasizing the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians.
On October 2, the 23 Malaysian activists were detained by Zionist regime troops after their vessels were intercepted in international waters near the R3 red zone of the Mediterranean Sea and taken to the Port of Ashdod in Israel. Among the detained Malaysians were singer Heliza Helmi, her sister Nur Hazwani Afiqah, and several others on different vessels.
The GSF mission, comprising over 500 activists from 45 countries, embarked on a journey to Gaza as a gesture of solidarity and to break the Israeli blockade by carrying essential food and medical supplies for Palestinians affected by continuous attacks from the Zionist regime.