Thousands protest at US embassy, politicians unite across divide
There was also a march involving various groups, which began at around 4pm near the Lembaga Tabung Haji building, before ending in front of the embassy.
Speakers condemned Israel for...
An anti-Israel protest outside the United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur has drawn thousands of participants since this morning, with politicians from across the divide joining the demonstration.
There was also a march involving various groups, which began at around 4pm near the Lembaga Tabung Haji building, before ending in front of the embassy.
Speakers condemned Israel for intercepting and detaining Gaza-bound activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), and demanded their release.
Leading the march was PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim, who submitted a memorandum to the embassy.
Among the politicians in attendance were former education minister and PKR central leadership council member Maszlee Malik and Subang Umno chief Armand Azha Abu Hanifah.
However, the memorandum containing three key demands failed to be delivered after US embassy representatives allegedly refused to accept it, citing security reasons.
According to Kamil, he personally contacted the embassy in an attempt to hand over the memorandum.
“The memorandum calls for the immediate release of all detained volunteers and demands guarantees for the safety of unarmed activists.
“In addition, it rejects Washington’s proposed plan for Gaza’s development, which is seen as sidelining the voices of the Palestinian people,” he said at a press conference outside the embassy building.
Memo to be submitted again tomorrow
As a result of the outcome today, Kamil said the group would return tomorrow after Friday prayers to submit the memorandum again.
“After Friday prayers, we will demand that the US accept it with courage,” he said.
Besides Kamil, Maszlee, and Armand, Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, as well as several grassroots PAS leaders, were also present today.
The demonstration, which ended around 5.15pm, also saw several local celebrities showing up to express solidarity with their friends who were detained by the Israeli forces.
Among those spotted were actor Fikry Ibrahim, comedian Bell Ngasri, and entertainer Mamak Puteh.
In a statement later, Kamil said the memorandum calls for urgent accountability from the US over Israel’s unlawful interception and detention of the GSF, which included international activists and Malaysian volunteers delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The demands include the immediate and unconditional release of all activists and volunteers, as well as an end to unconditional US political, financial, and military support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.
The group also demanded that the US uphold international law through accountability mechanisms at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - the United Nations’ principal judicial body that settles disputes between states - and the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
PKR Youth also called for the restoration of Palestinian rights and dignity, including lifting the Gaza blockade and ending the occupation.
“PKR Youth reaffirms that Malaysians, especially the youth, will never be silenced in their solidarity with Palestine,” Kamil added.
