Protesters chants 'US slaves' at US Embassy over Israeli detention of Global Sumud Flotilla
The demonstration began around midday, with participants carrying banners that read “Stop The Genocide” and “Israel America Stop Starving Gaza”, as well as placards.
KUALA LUMPUR - Chants of “US slaves” and cries for justice filled the air outside the United States (US) Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, as Malaysians rallied in protest against Israel’s detention of volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission.
The demonstration began around midday, with participants carrying banners that read “Stop The Genocide” and “Israel America Stop Starving Gaza”, as well as placards.
Some protesters also held pictures of children from Gaza while waving Palestinian flags.
By 1pm, the rally briefly turned tense when a few participants moved onto the road in protest.
The police however, quickly managed to control the situation and the crowd eventually dispersed peacefully after heavy rain in the capital.
Among the demonstrators was 51-year-old Rinah Alim, who said she joined the gathering to express solidarity with Palestine and to oppose Israel’s detention of flotilla activists.
“I am here out of humanity towards the people of Palestine because for years they have been attacked and it has been very difficult for them to receive any aid.
“Yesterday, our friends who joined the GSF were detained. They were not carrying weapons, only essential supplies such as milk and food.
“So, we must strongly oppose the heartless actions of the Zionist regime,” she told reporters.
Also spotted at the protest was Wangsa Maju District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Lazim Ismail who addressed the crowd.
The protest followed reports that 223 humanitarian activists from 36 countries, including 15 Malaysians, were detained by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in international waters early Thursday morning.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since demanded that Israel immediately release all detained activists and international volunteers, including Malaysians.
He emphasised that the flotilla’s mission was purely humanitarian, carrying unarmed civilians with vital aid for the people of Gaza, but was obstructed “in an inhumane manner.”
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