Only trained participants allowed to join Gaza flotilla mission - Dr Mohd Alauddin

SHAH ALAM - Every participant in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) x Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG) mission must first pass a special training programme to ensure they are fully prepared to face any potential risks at sea.

The Malaysian delegation Head Professor Emeritus Dr Mohd Alauddin Mohd Ali said many activists had been waiting since last year for the opportunity to join the humanitarian voyage to Gaza.

However, he said all participants were required to undergo a simulation exercise designed to test their reactions and readiness in case of an attack.

Those who failed to demonstrate the correct response were not allowed to take part in the mission.

“Since 2024, they have been waiting for the opportunity to board the ship.

“When the chance finally came, all the activists were very excited and worked hard to make the mission a success.

“However, before being allowed to board, every participant is required to undergo non-violence training, which is a key condition set by the organisers,” he said during the "Misi Flotilla, ‘Mak Online’ & Apa Selepas Ini" Interviu programme hosted by Haizir Othman at the Karangkraf Complex on Wednesday.

He added that the training included simulations of what participants should do if attacked by Israeli forces during the voyage to Gaza.

He said in the training, they conducted a simulation of what to do in case of an Israeli attack and participants must demonstrate the appropriate response.

He further explained that if a participant failed to comply with the training guidelines, they may be rejected and not allowed to join the mission.

Dr Mohd Alauddin said the strict approach was crucial to ensure that each individual upheld the principles of peace and maintained discipline when facing provocation.

“Thankfully, all participants from Malaysia were allowed to board the ship as planned.

“On board, the organisers also continued with additional training for all participants,” he said.

He added that the discipline and strong commitment shown by Malaysian participants became one of the country’s main strengths in the humanitarian effort.

“Every morning before joining the international participants’ programmes, we held a briefing session to remind them of their duties and provide space for them to share their thoughts and feelings before starting the day’s activities,” he said.

He noted that this step helped foster unity and kept all participants focused on the humanitarian mission’s goals for Gaza.