Thousands rally to call for end to violence in Gaza and Israel’s war crimes
KUALA LUMPUR: Calling for an end to the armed strikes of Israeli forces in Gaza, thousands of Malaysians of all races gathered to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people in a peaceful rally at Dataran Merdeka here.
They were joined by Palestinians living in the country and other foreigners, all who showed up as early as 9am yesterday for the event themed “Freedom for Palestine”, which was organised by non-governmental organisations Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) and Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE).
Many waved the Palestinian flag, held anti-war banners and shouted chants.
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Activists from the Muslim, Christian and Buddhist communities and NGOs gave speeches calling for an end to the violence.
Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said Malaysians cannot stay silent on the “genocide and war crimes committed by Israeli forces with the United States, United Kingdom and Europe being complicit”.
“We are talking about 50% of those in Gaza who are children and the right of self-defence has completely been denounced and destroyed by the sheer scale of Israel’s transgressions of international humanitarian law.
“So many US legislators are also against Israel’s crimes against humanity and they are being silenced.
Drumming up support: Nurul Izzah speaking at the ‘Freedom for Palestine’ rally in Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
“We must illegitimise and defund Israel. This is why it’s so important for Malaysia and the rest of the world to give their voice.
“Violence begets violence. If we allow this genocide to continue, all extremist forces everywhere will be strengthened further,” said Nurul Izzah, the Prime Minister’s daughter.
She said the conflict does not only affect Muslims because Palestinian churches along with mosques, other places of worship and United Nations premises had also been attacked.
VPM chairman Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin said he was really proud to see a large number of Malaysians turning up to show their support for the oppressed people of Palestine.
“I hope they will continue with this enthusiasm when they return home and carry on with whatever little support within their circle. It’s important that we do not see a repeat of this genocide.
“Too many lives are lost. About 5,000 people have been killed and 40% of them are children. These are innocent civilians and not members of Hamas,” he said.
Dr Musa said the Malaysian government should take the initiative to bring both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds together to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
MyCARE honorary adviser Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor said compared to past attacks by Israel, the ongoing strikes on Palestine were the worst the country has suffered.
An unidentified Palestinian woman living here for almost 10 years recounted how her family had fled to Malaysia to escape the atrocities of Israeli forces.
“They are wiping out schools and hospitals and both Muslim and Christian Palestinians. You cannot be neutral – if you are neutral, it means you are with the oppressor. I appreciate Malaysia’s support for Palestinians,” she said in her speech.
Also present at the rally was Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Police personnel on duty kept watch on the rally that ended as scheduled at 1pm.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the organisers had adhered to the rules and regulations of the Peaceful Assembly Act including the submission of a notice for the gathering to the police.
He said the rally had gone on without any incident.
