Kuala lumpur: Five Malaysian volunteers selected for the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0 mission will soon depart for Europe, where they will serve as captains and technical crew members in preparation for the upcoming humanitarian aid mission to Gaza.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM) chief executive officer Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman stated that the five volunteers were the first Malaysians to take part in the technical and boat-handling aspects of the international mission. He mentioned that the Malaysian volunteers have been selected to assume roles as captains, crew members, and technicians in the vessel's preparation. They have undergone a rigorous interview and screening process by the Global Sumud Flotilla and Sumud Nusantara before being allowed to join the international team in Europe soon.
Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri explained that the GSF 2.0 mission, scheduled to set sail on April 12 from Barcelona, Spain, will involve more than 100 vessels, making it the largest flotilla mission in history. He noted that dozens of vessels had been successfully secured at various ports across Europe and were now undergoing final preparations.
In terms of security, there are numerous challenges since the preparation involves the largest flotilla mission in history, something unprecedented. Conditions have been set for those wishing to participate, requiring them to be ready until at least mid-May and prepared for all eventualities if they join the vessels.
The flotilla is expected to follow a similar route to the previous mission, with stops in Tunisia and Italy, and the voyage to Gaza would take about two weeks, depending on weather conditions and if there were no disruptions. Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri expressed anticipation that Israel might act more aggressively this time. With such a large number of vessels, it may be challenging for them to intercept as before, and the team is prepared to face any unforeseen measures they may take.
Meanwhile, CGM strategic executive (Public Relations) Muhd Haikal Luqman Zulkefli reported that almost 20 volunteers, including members of the public and representatives from non-governmental organisations such as CGM, Cinta Salam Malaysia, and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), had participated in the mission. He indicated that the group was the main driving force responsible for coordinating and facilitating all matters related to participants and the operations of GSF 2.0.