300 gather in front of US embassy to protest against Israel

 

Part of the crowd that turned up outside the US embassy to protest the bloodshed in Gaza.

KUALA LUMPUR: A crowd of 300 people gathered in front of the US embassy tonight, the second time protesters have assembled at the site, in a show of solidarity with Palestine as well as to condemn Israel following the war in Gaza.

A majority of the crowd waved Palestinian flags and carried placards denouncing the Israeli government and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

The protest, organised by Perikatan Nasional Youth, began at 8.55pm.

Protesters carrying a banner resembling the Israeli flag, condemning Israel for being cruel and to stop playing the victim by stopping the violence.

In a short speech, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali said there was a need for Malaysia to send a strong message as “we can’t continue doing protests like this”.

“They (Israel and Washington) are laughing at this (the gathering),” referring to the turnout outside the embassy. The US is a staunch ally of Israel.

Meanwhile, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the West was “afraid” of the messages brought by Malaysians about the Israel-Palestine war.

He said countries such as Germany, Austria and the UK were afraid that the messages would “influence their people”.

“Historical facts are covered up by the Israeli prime minister.

“They (also) want to cover up the history of the Israeli occupation of Palestine,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal also said the US is the main “culprit” in this war, noting that the country “enables” Israel to carry out attacks.

He added that today’s gathering was only a “warm-up” for the main event this weekend.

“This Saturday, tens of thousands of Malaysians from all races, religions and political parties will gather in front of the KLCC mosque to send a clearer and stronger message.”

Last night, more than 16,000 Malaysians attended the Malaysia Stands with Palestine rally at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here, Bernama reported.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had just returned from an official trip to meet leaders of several Arab countries to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, addressed the crowd at the rally.

Israel declared war on Hamas following the group’s surprise attack on several locations in Israel on Oct 7.

Following the constant bombardment of Gaza by Israel, it was reported that the death toll — which threatens to increase — has surpassed 5,000, with nearly half of them children.

More than 15,000 have been left injured according to the latest news reports. - FMT